Rethinking research integrity : a dialogical and reflective approach

Abstract

In this chapter, we reflect on responsible conduct in research and the need to complement a top-down normative approach with a bottom-up dialogical approach, giving the example of the training sessions organised since October 2019 at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences - i3S based in Porto, Portugal. Research integrity has been the main concern of universities and other research institutions due to the increasing number of cases of research misconduct every year. Although scientific governance documents aim to promote the integrity and accountability of researchers, rather than focusing exclusively on cases of misconduct, they tend to be interpreted as warnings to avoid fabrication, falsification and plagiarism, emphasising the need for sanctions. However, the meaning of integrity for researchers is not homogeneous and can be determined by context. We argue that the integrity of researchers should be promoted in a positive bottom-up approach, without neglecting open, transparent and clear standards and guidelines for responsible conduct.