Springer Nature has partnered with the European Network of Research Integrity Offices (ENRIO) to create a free e‑learning course designed for research integrity officers (RIOs). The program aims to provide comprehensive guidance for RIOs who are establishing integrity practices or revising existing frameworks. Drawing on ENRIO’s expertise and a wide range of national and international guidance, the course is expected to launch later this year. It will support institutions in managing integrity cases more effectively by offering training on investigation frameworks, handling complex cases, and engaging stakeholders.
The initiative seeks to encourage consistent approaches to investigations while acknowledging national and institutional differences. It aligns with recognized standards such as the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Dr. Jo Appleford‑Cook, Senior Training Manager at Springer Nature, noted that RIOs play a central role in ensuring institutional integrity and reliable research. She emphasized that the collaboration with ENRIO will provide officers across Europe and beyond with tools and guidance to strengthen integrity practices.
ENRIO President Bert Seghers highlighted that effective and fair approaches to integrity concerns are essential for maintaining trust in science. He stated that making the training freely available ensures that RIOs can access practical guidance regardless of their organization’s resources.
The collaboration builds on ENRIO’s longstanding support for integrity practitioners, including its 2019 Handbook on Recommendations for the Investigation of Research Misconduct, which serves as a foundation for the course.
This project is part of Springer Nature’s broader efforts to promote responsible research practices. Initiatives include RISE‑UTTHAN, an outreach program in partnership with India’s Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, and free educational resources for editors and authors covering topics such as research integrity fundamentals, whistleblower engagement, identity verification, paper mills, citation manipulation, predatory publishing, and peer review. Together, these efforts aim to strengthen institutional capacity and contribute to the reliability of the scholarly record.
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