Sixth Report - Reproducibility and Research Integrity
Select Committee
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
HC 101
10 May 2023
Recommendations
2 results
9
Accepted
Para 68
Foster an environment where research integrity and reproducibility are championed across the community
Recommendation
Most reproducibility issues are, in the main, not the result of deliberate bad practice. Many of the incentives faced by individuals conducting research act against reproducibility. Whilst individuals must take responsibility for conducting work which prioritises robust analysis and transparency, …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation, stating that UKRI is already supporting the research community in promoting integrity and reproducibility through various initiatives. These include shifting incentives via narrative CVs, changes to the REF process, hosting a research resource hub, and establishing a Good Practice Exchange.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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14
Accepted
Incorporate mandatory reproducibility training and professional development for researchers throughout their careers
Recommendation
Institutions should incorporate mandatory reproducibility training and professional development plans for researchers across the course of their career. (Paragraph 83) Reproducibility and Research Integrity 51
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating UKRI's Collective Talent Funding programme and its Doctoral Training Centres and Partnerships already aim to provide high-quality, consistent development and training for researchers across different career stages, supporting skill development for doctoral students.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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Conclusions (2) Observations and findings — click to expand
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 27
Although qualitative evidence indicates a potentially substantial scale of research integrity issues in the UK, there is a lack of quantitative evidence, including on the relative significance of the different causes of problems. This can only hamper efforts to evaluate damage being caused to the UK research sector in terms …
Government Response Summary
The government states that the newly established UKRI Committee on Research Integrity (UK CORI) has a role in improving the evidence base on research integrity, thereby addressing the identified lack of quantitative data.
24
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 127
Reward structures in academia disincentivise reproducibility by placing disproportionate value on secured funding and frequent publication in prestigious journals.
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, explaining that UKRI has an extensive portfolio of ongoing work to shift incentives in the research system, including narrative CVs, changes to the REF, funding for the UK Reproducibility Network, and supporting the UK Committee on Research Integrity.