Nurturing Responsible Research Practices

Two online training sessions on responsible conduct of research were offered by the Office of Research this semester to enhance NYU Shanghai’s research culture and foster a robust training environment. Led by NYU Senior Director of Research Integrity and Compliance Debra Schaller-Demers, the sessions delved into the intricacies of research compliance, ethics, authorship, and responsible publication practice. The training attracted a diverse cohort of participants, including researchers, faculty, and students.

The first session, Introduction to Research Compliance, Ethics, and Integrity, served as a foundational exploration of the core topics of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). Participants delved into the nuances of research ethics, integrity, and compliance, recognizing their roles in safeguarding the scientific enterprise. Schaller-Demers highlighted the consequences of research misconduct and non-compliance and emphasized researchers’ collective responsibility to uphold the integrity of scientific endeavors.

The second session, Authorship and Responsible Publication Practices, shed light on the significance of authorship in academia. Schaller-Demers shared insights into the criteria defining authorship and the ethical considerations surrounding publication. Participants discussed the responsibilities authors bear in maintaining integrity throughout the publication process, including navigating authorship disputes and leveraging artificial intelligence tools judiciously.

For the participants, these sessions provided valuable knowledge and tools crucial for navigating the complex landscape of research ethics and publication integrity. They emerged equipped with a deeper understanding of their roles in upholding ethical standards and contributing to a culture of responsible research conduct.