Ethics & Research Integrity Course
Title of the course: Ethics & Research Integrity Course
Lead Organizer: UCL
Date: Apr, 27, May 5, 7, 11, 2026
Instructors: James Parry
Program
| Date | Topics |
| Monday 27 April 09:00–11:30 (UK BST, UTC+1) | Session 1 – Foundations + core challenges |
| Tuesday 5 May 09:00–11:30 (UK BST) | Session 2 – Decision-making + applied scenarios |
| Thursday 7 May 09:00–11:30 (UK BST) | Session 3 – Research culture, systems and influences |
| Monday 11 May 09:00–11:30 UK BST | Session 4 – Integration, reflection and action |
Description
The “Ethics and Research Integrity” course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of responsible research practices and the principles that underpin high-quality, ethical research.
Live sessions combine lectures, interactive Q&A, case study analysis, and facilitated discussions, creating an engaging environment where participants can exchange perspectives, share experiences, and explore real-world challenges with guidance from both the facilitator and their peers. The self-study component includes collaborative work in pairs or small groups, in-depth case study analysis, reflection on participants’ own research contexts, and practical exercises aimed at identifying risks and opportunities. Participants will also develop individual and/or group action plans to strengthen integrity within their research practices.
The course covers key topics such as research integrity, research quality, and ethical practice; how to recognize and respond to errors, setbacks, and research misconduct; and the roles and responsibilities of researchers at different career stages. It also addresses complex issues including authorship and publication ethics, the responsible use of AI in research, and alignment with national and funder requirements. Particular attention is given to the impact of research culture, environments, and systems on both research quality and researcher behavior, as well as strategies for fostering and sustaining a positive research culture grounded in integrity.
Participants will receive a comprehensive set of materials, including a PDF slide deck, a case study pack, and pre- and post-course resources to support continued learning and application beyond the course.
About James Parry
James Parry FRSB is an independent research integrity and research culture consultant, with
almost 20 years’ experience in helping organisations and researchers to enhance integrity and
quality in their research and innovation; embed positive research cultures; meet the requirements
of funding bodies and others; and drive systemic change and improvements.
He led the UK Research Integrity Office for 15 years, taking it from a pilot project to a body
recognised nationally and internationally, supported by over 120 research organisations. James has
played an active role in shaping UK and international policies and approaches to research integrity,
including contributing to the evolution of the UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity and
influencing key initiatives through policy submissions, expert panels and parliamentary evidence.
He is a trusted adviser to research organisations, publishers, funders and stakeholders, with a track
record of managing many sensitive and high-profile challenges and cases of misconduct.
James regularly speaks on responsible research practice, enhancing research culture, and
responding to errors, questionable practices and fraud. Previous audiences include the UK Royal
Society, the World Conferences on Research Integrity, Universities UK, major UK research funders,
OASPA, Crowdhelix and numerous research organisations, from start-ups to globally-recognised
universities.
Prior to his career in research integrity and research culture, James worked as an archaeologist and
a university administrator. He was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology in 2023. In
2025 he was appointed as Senior Strategic Adviser to the Science Integrity Alliance.
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4416-4310