Good research practice
This page gives an overview of the principles of good research practice that all MRC-funded scientists, including clinical researchers, are required to follow as a condition of their funding. These general principles complement MRC guidance on good practice and regulatory requirements for specific types of research, which appears on other pages of the Ethics and Research Governance section.
Good research practice guidelines
This publication sets out the principles that MRC-funded scientists must take into account when planning and conducting research, and when recording, reporting, and applying the results. Whereas other MRC guidelines explain in detail the scientific and ethical principles that should underpin the research we fund, our document is designed to help scientists achieve those standards in practice.
Although primarily intended for MRC-funded scientists, we hope that other researchers and those involved in reviewing or supervising research will find them helpful.
Full research practice guidelines >>
Bioterrorism
The MRC funds basic and clinical research in the fields of infection and immunity, pathogens and host genetics, both in the UK and at centres of excellence in developing countries. This research is essential to improve understanding of infectious diseases in humans and animals, and to enable scientists to improve diagnostics, vaccines, treatments and other control strategies, to alleviate the suffering and social and economic burden that major infectious diseases cause throughout the world.
However, in the light of global developments, the MRC recognises that there are concerns about research that could result in, or enable the future development of, pathogens and toxins which could potentially serve as bioweapons. A position statement on bioterrorism and biomedical research was published in June 2005.
Scientific misconduct
The MRC requires scientists who are carrying out MRC-funded research to observe the highest standards of integrity. Allegations of scientific misconduct are rare. When they occur, the MRC takes them very seriously and, as part of its responsibility to parliament, the public and the scientific community, investigates them fully and reports on the outcomes.
For further information, please refer to the MRC’s policy and procedure for inquiring in allegations of scientific misconduct.