Research Governance, Ethics and Integrity

Promoting good scientific practice

All research from the University of Derby is undertaken with regard to high standards of governance, ethics and integrity. We are committed to the principles that our research will be for the public good, our research will not harm people or the environment, and will be conducted with integrity.

All research associated with the University of Derby must comply with the appropriate ethical, legal and professional frameworks, obligations, standards and University policies. The University supports the UK Concordat to Support Research Integrity and publishes an Annual Report on Research Integrity.

All research undertaken by staff and students associated with the University of Derby should only be initiated after effective consideration of its ethical implications with full regard to the University Research Ethics Policy.

Requesting research ethics approval

All research undertaken under the auspices of the University needs to secure ethical approval prior to the commencement of any practical work.

If you are a student on a taught programme your module and/or programme leader will advise you on the process you need to follow.

Postgraduate research students should seek guidance from their supervisory team about the process of submitting a research ethics application and the requirements of the applicant itself. Applications must be made on Ethics Monitor via PhD Manager.

Staff making a research ethics application can seek guidance from their College Research Ethics Committees. Applications must be made via Ethics Monitor.

The University Research Committee is responsible for all matters associated with research governance ethics and integrity.

For queries on research integrity, whistleblowing, and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests please contact:

University policies

'Signatory of DORA' inside the DORA logo, which is a circle full of many colours

Responsible use of research metrics

To demonstrate our commitment to the responsible use of research metrics, the University of Derby has signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA).

Find out more about our responsible use of research metricsFind out more about our responsible use of research metrics
Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) logo

Commitment to Responsible Research Assessment

To demonstrate our commitment to responsible research assessment the University of Derby is a signatory of the Agreement on Reforming Research Assessment (CoARA).

Find out more about our commitment to responsible research assessmentFind out more about our commitment to responsible research assessment
a researcher doing chemical tests in the lab

Research degrees

Your postgraduate research experience at the University of Derby is designed to help you build fundamental research skills, whether you are a motivated recent graduate or an experienced academic.

Find out about our research degreesFind out about our research degrees