Responsible Conduct of Research

Guidelines for the Responsible Conduct of Research

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide important University standards for maintaining the integrity and quality of research activities. The ethical conduct of science is a necessary foundation without which progress would not be possible. Attention to best research practices leads to faster progress, improved reproducibility, and more productive collaborations among investigators. The credibility of science with the general public also depends on maintaining the highest ethical standards in research. Read a more in-depth overview of the University's official guidelines.

 

 

An outdoor photo of lampposts with Pitt flags attached to them
Misconduct in Research

Research misconduct is defined as intentional, knowing, or reckless fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism, in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. 

A man wearing a mask listens attentively in a classroom setting
Best Practices and Improprieties in Research

Learn more about research best practices, along with pitfalls to avoid.

A female instructor, wearing a mask and gloves, addresses a class
Additional University Research Support

Learn about the other resources available to support your research. 

a pair of hands hover over a laptop keyboard
Appendix

Explore a partial list of relevant University policies and procedures.