Research Integrity at VCU
Dear colleagues,
As a new academic year at VCU gets underway, we want to recognize the outstanding research discoveries and innovations carried out by our remarkable faculty, students and research staff across the VCU enterprise. Research proposed and conducted across the university reflects the ongoing journey toward national prominence in research highlighted in our Quest 2025: Together We Transform.
We also take this opportunity to remind the research community of the constant diligence necessary to ensure the highest standards of ethics and scientific integrity in conducting and reporting on research. VCU is committed to cultivating a culture of uncompromising integrity in its research and research-related activities. Members of the VCU community involved in any part of the university’s research endeavors are expected to model and foster Responsible Conduct of Research for all research team members, especially for those in student and trainee roles.
Responsible Conduct of Research describes a broad set of topic areas and includes:
- Following relevant regulations
- Understanding one’s individual responsibilities
- Participating in collegial collaboration
- Ensuring accuracy of submissions for publication
- Knowing where to take questions or concerns that may arise in a complex research environment
Research deans, department or division chairs, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, and the Office of Research Integrity and Ethics are available to provide guidance for concerns about research integrity. Concerns shared with these leaders or offices are held in the strictest confidence and viewed with utmost importance. Alternatively, the Equity and Access Services’ VCU Helpline provides university members an anonymous and confidential reporting option. Allegations of research misconduct are ultimately referred to the VCU Research Integrity Officer.
The public turns to us for scientific explanations and help in addressing some of the most critical issues facing our community and the world. The public and our colleagues in the greater scientific community expect and deserve outstanding adherence to research integrity and responsible stewardship in all of our research endeavors. We at VCU honor our research community for its important contributions and work to assure the highest standards of honesty, respect and professional and scholarly integrity.
Best wishes for a productive semester.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Rao, Ph.D., President
VCU and VCU Health System
P. Srirama Rao, Ph.D., Vice President
Research and Innovation