Sixth Report - Reproducibility and Research Integrity
Select Committee
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
HC 101
10 May 2023
Recommendations
2 results
13
Acknowledged
Para 82
Increase emphasis on reproducibility and integrity in university research education and training
Recommendation
Currently there is insufficient attention placed on reproducibility and research integrity training for university students and research professionals. Greater emphasis should be placed on the importance of reproducibility and research integrity in education and training at undergraduate, postgraduate and early …
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Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, stating UKRI's Collective Talent Funding programme and existing Doctoral Training Centres already aim to address the need for high-quality training in research integrity and reproducibility. However, it does not commit to new specific actions regarding greater emphasis or routine production of replications in training.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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20
Acknowledged
Para 106
Continued emphasis on data management plans as a condition of research funding is necessary
Recommendation
We welcome UKRI’s use of data management plans. A continued emphasis on their importance as a condition of research funding is necessary.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts, affirming that data management plans remain an important requirement and UKRI will be considering how to further enhance their utility as part of policy and funding application requirement reviews.
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
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Conclusions (3) Observations and findings — click to expand
6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Whilst significant reproducibility challenges are faced in research, to refer to the sum of these issues as a “crisis” risks detracting from the many successes of the UK’s scientific research base. Nonetheless, there is need for action to address the significant problems caused by the prevalence or reproducibility problems in …
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for action on reproducibility challenges, highlighting existing efforts like the R&D People and Culture Strategy and the Future Research Assessment Programme to strengthen research culture and integrity without committing to new specific actions.
12
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 77
Research funders should implement stronger tests for the presence of adequate software and statistical skills within research teams at the outset of a funding application. Where these skills are perceived to be lacking, UKRI should consider the feasibility and cost of offering a dedicated methodological support system to research teams.
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation but provides no specific details on how it will implement stronger tests for software/statistical skills or consider a dedicated methodological support system for research teams.
28
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The ‘registered report partnership model’ offers a good opportunity for researchers to have their methodologies peer reviewed at an early stage in the research process, allowing researchers to incorporate feedback into their research plans. Within this model, funding and the principles for a study are agreed concurrently, with a guarantee …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts the recommendation to offer a 'registered report partnership model' but provides no specific details on what aspects are accepted or how this will be implemented.