Importance of effective mentoring for research integrity

Abstract

There are three pillars essential for achieving excellence in research and creative activity: (i) training in proper research and scholarship practices, (ii) effective mentoring, and (iii) ethical awareness and understanding one’s responsibilities for proper conduct. When research integrity issues arise, these are often linked with poor mentoring, either toxic and or neglectful practices. Intuitively and supported by analytics, good mentoring ensures the quality and integrity of scientific research. Given the importance of effective mentoring and the value of this for the development of undergraduate and graduate students in their journey toward becoming and independent and creatively thinking researchers, it is incumbent on all of us who serve as faculty mentors to re‐assess the effectiveness of our mentoring styles and the qualities we display.