The good scientist: A seminar on research integrity SoSe24

Prominent cases of scientific misconduct spreading in the news, the advancing inter- and transdisciplinarity of research projects, and the discussion on open-access publishing have greatly stimulated the debate about general research standards and the credibility of research results. Ensuring transparency and integrity in scientific work is a hot topic for the credibility of scientific results in the public, the publication in renowned journals, and the funding of scientific projects. So far, not only disciplinary research associations and institutions such as Leuphana University have developed ethics and integrity standards to guarantee high-quality research. In addition, national and international as well as subject-specific guidelines have been developed by organizations such as the German Research Foundation (DFG) or the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The criteria and guidelines address the research process from the planning phase to publication and even beyond when it comes to archiving research data or setting standards for supervision and shared authorship.

Research ethics standards and values are essential pillars that uphold the integrity and credibility of academic research as well as the objectivity and inclusivity of research. These principles guide researchers in their pursuit of knowledge, ensuring that their work is conducted ethically and without bias, and with respect to human subjects, animals, and the environment. For instance, by becoming aware of biases in research, scientists can strive for greater objectivity in their research, leading to more accurate interpretations of data. Embracing diversity in research teams also brings different perspectives and experiences into the research process and outcomes, reducing the risk of groupthink and enhancing the validity of scientific findings.

Thus, the importance of research ethics lies in safeguarding the rights, welfare, and confidentiality of research participants, promoting honesty in data collection and analysis, and preventing plagiarism and fraud. Adherence to these standards fosters a culture of trust, transparency, and inclusivity in academia and higher education, including post-graduate education, enabling researchers to collaborate effectively and share reliable findings with the global community.

Aims of the seminar

The ethics and integrity standards of Leuphana are binding for all researchers at Leuphana. This seminar intends to support you in transferring these standards and the related values directly into your daily research practice. It is concerned with raising awareness and preparing for ethically correct and responsible research activities before doctoral research projects even start. Furthermore, the activities will empower you to make informed decisions, ensure the protection and well-being of research participants, promote transparency, and uphold academic integrity without biases. In doing so, the seminar supports you in strengthening your awareness of responsible scientific practice through reflection and hands-on assignments. You will deepen your understanding of the challenges and strategies of research ethics. The course encourages you to and prepares for concrete integration of the DFG and Leuphana integrity standards into individual doctoral research projects.

The following key questions will guide the class:

  • What is research ethics? What is good scientific practice?
  • What does responsible research mean for my research field?
  • What are the concrete implications of research integrity guidelines for my doctoral research project?
  • How can we as researchers contribute to a research community with integrity?

Objectives


Subject competence

You are enabled to...

  •  conceptualize, conduct, manage, and evaluate the research projects according to the norms and guidelines
  •  reflect critically against the background of relevant values norms, guidelines, and standards (e.g., European and national German guidelines for research integrity and specific disciplinary standards of good research practice)
  •  navigate different understandings of research integrity standards in interdisciplinary settings
  • understand the implications of the academic system in Germany and research integrity standards at Leuphana University Lüneburg for their research projects
  • perceive processes of change in science and society and to deal with them constructively
  • know strategies to solve conflicts with supervisors, collaborators, or colleagues

Personal competence

You are enabled to...

  • assume personal responsibility as well as responsibility for others
  • have open, professional discussions on research practice
  • maintain a constant alertness to the challenges of everyday scientific life
  • develop a positive attitude towards communication, cooperation, and transparency
  • develop a positive attitude towards diversity in their everyday research practice
  • reflect critically on power relations and diversity in academic
  • feel self-competent in solving challenges in collaborative research work