Responsible research
As a researcher, you are expected to maintain the highest standards, from initial conception and conduct of the research through to dissemination and application.
You also have a duty to consider how the work you undertake, host or support impacts on the wider research community and on society as a whole.
Research Integrity Tutorial
You must complete the Research Integrity Tutorial on the VLE before your first TAP (Thesis Advisory Panel) meeting.
The Research Integrity Tutorial introduces you to the standards expected by the University for the conduct of research, and the associated procedures that should be followed. The tutorial is just a starting point and we encourage you to talk through implications with your supervisor, and to take advantage of the further training and support provided in your department and by the University. Find out more about the tutorial, and about our approach to academic integrity.
If you do not have the Research Integrity Tutorial in your VLE module list, email integrity@york.ac.uk.
Use of generative artificial intelligence in PGR programmes
For universities, generative AI (artificial intelligence) presents huge opportunities with respect to learning and research but also potential harms, including unintended consequences of which we are, as yet, unaware. Read our position statements on generative AI use in PGR programmes and our advice on how to avoid academic and research misconduct.
Policy on transparency in authorship in PGR programmes
You must read and abide by the Policy on Transparency in Authorship in PGR Programmes which covers the use of generative AI, proof-reading and translation in submitted work.
Ethical approval
Ethical approval is needed for many PGR research projects. Ethical approval is always required if your research involves humans (even if you are just conducting interviews) or animals, but there are many other instances where ethical approval is required: for example where you, or the wider community, might be at risk from your research, or research that involves the natural environment or cultural heritage.
You and your supervisor(s) are jointly responsible for securing ethical approval - from an internal ethics committee and, where necessary, an external body - in accordance with the Code of practice and principles for good ethical governance before the research commences. Confirmation of ethical approval (where needed) is required for formal reviews of progress and at the point of thesis submission.
Ethical approval cannot be given retrospectively, and any data obtained prior to ethical approval cannot be used. Failing to gain ethical approval when required can lead to investigation for research misconduct.
Data management planning
You must work with your supervisor(s) to put in place a data management plan (if you are doing a PhD or MPhil this should be by your first formal review of progress).
Before you write your data management plan:
- Read Research data management: a practical guide. This is a practical guide covering all aspects of data management.
- Complete RDM 101 (Research Data Management Tutorial) on the VLE. This tutorial will give you a basic introduction to the key components of research data management: you can find it in your VLE courses list.
You are strongly advised to update your data management plan as required and to plan with your supervisor how your research data is to be treated once you have completed your programme (eg secure disposal or archiving and sharing via an appropriate data repository).
If you have any research data management questions contact the Library's Open Research team.
Open Research
The University is committed to the values, principles and culture of open research. You should work with your supervisor to explore how open research practices might apply to your work.
The Open Research Skills Framework can be used to identify appropriate open research practices as well as resources and training that are available to you.
In line with the University’s commitment to Open Research, all PGR postgraduate research theses are made available to the general public after examination, except in specific circumstances set out in the Policy on Research Degrees. Where you create scholarly articles during or as a consequence of your programme, you are strongly encouraged to follow the principles set out in the University’s Research Publications and Open Access Policy.
For more information or help contact the Library’s Open Research team.