The University of Melbourne has released its first Research Integrity Report, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2025. The report outlines the practices, standards, and processes that underpin the institution’s approach to research integrity and transparency, aligning with its strategy Advancing Research 2030: Excellence for Impact.
Deputy Vice‑Chancellor (Research) Professor Mark Cassidy stated that the University is committed to providing open and relevant information to the community about how research is conducted. He noted that trust in evidence‑based research is increasingly challenged by misinformation and emphasized that society depends on reliable research excellence and innovation to address global challenges. He explained that by sharing details of governance processes, the University aims to strengthen public confidence in the quality and validity of its research.
Cassidy added that research integrity is a collective responsibility and highlighted the University’s commitment to refining practices and upholding high standards.
In 2025, the University managed 60 research integrity complaints related to 113 concerns, with 45 new complaints involving 84 concerns received during the year. Submissions came from external individuals (24%), anonymous sources (20%), academics (35%), professional staff (18%), and students (3%).
The report details how complaints were resolved or dismissed and outlines corrective actions taken where breaches were identified. The most common concerns included authorship practices (18%), plagiarism (14%), falsification or fabrication of data (14%), breaches of ethics approval (11%), lack of ethics approval or permits (11%), and conflicts of interest (8.5%).
Cassidy noted that education and communication activities in 2025 were tailored to address emerging themes in research integrity. Actions included training for supervisors, mandatory compliance checks for human research ethics approvals, and an internal campaign to guide researchers in the responsible use of AI tools.
Key measures taken during the year included two investigations into possible misconduct, four corrections to the public record, 22 requirements for remedial action, and 29 requests for academic counseling or further training.
The University also implemented its new Responsible Conduct of Research Policy (MPF1318) on July 1, 2026, along with the associated Breaches Procedure (MPF1391). In addition, the Research Integrity Online Training course was reviewed and updated in 2025 and is mandatory for all staff engaged in research from 2026.
Concerns about research conduct can be submitted to the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity, with anonymous submissions accepted.
Click here to read the original press release.
