NOTE: This Policy is consistent with Justice Institute of British Columbia policies and procedures and the principles of the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (2016).
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance and to ensure that all research conducted under the auspices of, in affiliation or in collaboration with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (“JIBC” or the “Institute”) will fulfill the highest standards of academic integrity, honesty and accountability of research and scholarship. Accordingly, this policy aims to promote and protect the quality, accuracy, and reliability of research and scholarly activities conducted at or in affiliation or collaboration with the Institute. It includes the provision of an appropriate mechanism for the investigation and prompt and fair resolution of allegations of misconduct related to the integrity of research and scholarship.
Individuals engaged in the conduct and dissemination of research, as well as research funding applications or the management of research funds, for, or in affiliation or collaboration with the Institute (e.g., researchers) are expected to carry out research and related scholarly activities with the highest standards of ethical behaviour and academic integrity. Misconduct in research will not be condoned and may be the cause for disciplinary action commensurate and proportionate with the severity of the misconduct as described in JIBC’s 3403-001 Procedure - Investigating and Responding to Allegations of Misconduct in Research.
At a minimum, researchers are responsible for:
This Policy applies to the conduct and dissemination of research, as well as research funding applications or the management of research funds, for, or in affiliation or collaboration with the Institute.
Inappropriate conduct while undertaking research is unacceptable and may be cause for disciplinary actions. Examples of misconduct may include, but are not limited to:
Research – An undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation.
Research Associates – Well-recognized professionals or subject matter experts, external to the Institute, who will undertake or advise on JIBC applied research activities. Research Associates bring knowledge and expertise in their particular fields to JIBC research projects. Research Associates may work independently or collaboratively with administrators, faculty, staff, students or researchers within the JIBC and other institutions on joint projects. Research Associates may also serve as JIBC contractors or sessional employees.
Researcher – Any individual who leads (Principal Investigator or Project Director), participates or collaborates in (Co-Investigator or Collaborator) or otherwise conducts or participates in research activities. At JIBC, researchers may include staff, faculty, students or other individuals carrying out research under the auspices of, in collaboration or in affiliation with the Institute.
1. JIBC recognizes the confidentiality interests and privacy rights of all parties involved in an investigation under this Policy and any related Procedures, and must protect personal information in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, subject to the exceptions thereunder.
2. JIBC may disclose information relating to allegations of a breach of this Policy in certain circumstances, including but not limited to where:
a. necessary to ensure the requirements of procedural fairness are met;
b. the sharing of personal information is necessary for the protection of the health or safety of any individual;
c. the sharing of personal information is required or authorized by law; or
d. the person the information is about has consented to the release of the personal information.
3. All persons involved in an investigation under this Policy are required to keep the allegation and information relating to the investigation confidential, and are not to disclose the allegation or information revealed to them through the investigation to others, except as may be expressly permitted or as required by law. Individuals involved in investigations should be aware that while confidentiality is expected, anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
4. Research misconduct investigation files and records under this Policy and any related Procedures will be retained at the Institute in accordance with JIBC’s records classification system and retention schedule as defined by the B.C. Government Administrative Records Classification System (ARCS) and JIBC’s Operational Records Classification System (ORCS).
1. It is contrary to this Policy for anyone to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate against a person for:
a. reporting any alleged violation of this Policy; or
b. having participated or co-operated in an informal process or investigation under this Policy.
2. Anyone who engages in such retaliation will be subject to Disciplinary or Corrective Measures equal to or proportionate to the severity of the breach.
Last updated August 30, 2019