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.

Open Research

The University supports the development of an open and excellent research culture to support the university mission of being an Applied University and in support of our civic agenda.

The Open Research Position Statement was approved in January 2025. It formally articulates the University’s continuing commitment to an Open Research culture which endeavours to ensure that all the research at the University is as open as possible. It also provides a principles framework for the University’s researchers to conduct and disseminate research in a manner which promotes trust in researchers and the institution, the sharing and accessibility of knowledge and societal impact.

The implementation of Rights Retention principles at the University in October 2024 is also indicative of the University's commitment to an Open Research culture. Please contact the UKREO team for a copy of the Statement. 

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

• Research integrity - FAO Head of Research Governance: URKEO@derby.ac.uk
• Whistleblowing - FAO Head of Research and Innovation Services: UKREO@derby.ac.uk
• FOI requests: foi@derby.ac.uk 

University policies

• University Research Ethics Policy
• Research Misconduct Policy and Procedures
• Statement on the Responsible Use of Research Metrics