Summary of Code of Conduct

Australian Code of Conduct for the Responsible Conduct of Research is designed to guide institutions and researchers in responsible research practices. The Code promotes integrity in research and explains what the community expects of researchers. The Code assists researchers, administrators and the community with how to manage departures from best research practice.

All organisations involved in research are encouraged to incorporate the Code in their operating environments as far as possible. The Code is also a reference for people outside the research community who require information on the standards expected in responsible conduct of research within Australia.

Compliance with the Code is a prerequisite for National Health and Medical Research Council and is in two parts:

Part A : advocates and describes best practice for both institutions and researchers. For example, guidance is provided on how to manage research data and materials, how to publish and disseminate research findings, including proper attribution of authorship, how to conduct effective peer review and how to manage conflicts of interest.

Part B : provides a valuable framework for handling breaches of the Code and research misconduct. This part of the Code helps institutions and researchers to understand their responsibilities in the event that a breach of the Code occurs or an allegation of research misconduct is made. The Code guides institutions through the appropriate responses and explains the responsibilities and rights of researchers if they witness research misconduct. This section of the Code is designed to ensure there are agreed, clear, fair and effective processes in place in the event of an allegation of research misconduct.

Research institutes and researchers should acquaint themselves, with, and meet the requirements of the new Code as soon as possible.

The National Health and Medical Research Council and the Australian Research Council expect that institutions in receipt of public research funds will progressively include the Code's framework for handling research misconduct in relevant instruments regulating employment conditions as well as all new employment contracts. The full version of the Code is available at:

The National Health and Medical Research Council

Updated: 30 May 2013