Sense about Science and Taylor & Francis have published a new research integrity toolkit that has been developed to support early career researchers (ECRs). The guide has been created to address common questions and provide practical advice to help researchers avoid integrity-related pitfalls. It is intended to support good research practice and contribute to strengthening trust in science.
The organizations note that trust in information is under scrutiny across society and that good research practice faces added challenges from AI tools, paper mills, precarious employment, and limited funding, all of which increase pressure to publish. Early career researchers may experience these pressures more intensely, making it important for them to have a confident understanding of research integrity principles.
The toolkit has been authored by Sense about Science and Taylor & Francis with input from the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO). It has been shaped by questions and experiences shared by early career researchers during co-creation workshops. The resulting resource is designed to meet the needs of researchers at each stage of the research process, including initial study design, research conduct, manuscript development, peer review, and dissemination.
Sense about Science has indicated that the toolkit examines research integrity issues that early career researchers encounter and outlines steps and principles to help them evaluate new situations.
Taylor & Francis has noted that the toolkit clarifies the requirements and expectations of ethical research practice and aims to simplify complex issues for those beginning their research careers. The organization has also stated that the publication ethics section addresses frequently raised questions, including authorship credit, plagiarism, and processes that apply when integrity concerns arise about a published article. Although created for early career researchers, the toolkit is described as a useful reference for researchers at all career stages.
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