Research integrity - University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham is committed to research excellence and the rigorous pursuit of new knowledge. Supportive research ethics and governance processes are the foundation for a positive culture of research integrity. All University students, staff and others using University facilities or resources and support must work to these standards.

How we ensure integrity

Our staff act with integrity in their work, and this is enshrined in the University’s Code of Ethics (PDF - 528KB). Alongside this, the Code of Practice for Research (PDF - 400KB) provides a framework for the governance of all research throughout the University.

The University's Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Transfer) is the named person within the University responsible for research integrity.

In the first instance, queries on matters of research integrity should be directed to uobstudyoversight@contacts.bham.ac.uk and they will be picked up by the administrative team supporting this area.

You can also read the University’s statement on research integrity for 2023-2024 (PDF - 221KB).

Previous research integrity statements

Our Commitment to Trusted and Responsible Research

At Birmingham, we are proud to contribute to a global research community where collaboration drives discovery and innovation. Birmingham is enriched by global talent, with many of our postgraduate students and staff coming from outside the UK. Almost two-thirds of our academic papers are produced through international collaboration. These international connections strengthen our research, broaden perspectives, and expand our positive impact worldwide.

At the same time, we recognise that the global environment is increasingly complex. Alongside the opportunities of international collaboration, there are risks that require careful management. Our commitment to the Trusted Research agenda helps us safeguard intellectual property, sensitive research, people, and infrastructure from potential theft, manipulation, or exploitation, including from hostile actors.

By embedding the principles of trusted research into our practices, we aim to ensure that our international collaborations are conducted safely, ethically, and with integrity. Everyone in our community shares the responsibility to protect our students, colleagues, and research, allowing us to continue engaging confidently, openly, and responsibly with partners around the world - for the benefit of society.