I. Integrity in peer review
I.1 All researchers supported by the MRC are expected to participate in peer review, acting as reviewers for meetings, journals, grant applications and the ethical review of research proposals at a level appropriate to their experience and training. Peer review should be conducted to the highest standards and in line with the guidelines provided by the organisation seeking a review, including any obligation relating to confidentiality. Objectivity must be observed and any relevant conflicts of interest declared.
I.2 Those involved in peer review must not retain or copy any material under review or share it with others without express permission from the author and the organisation which requested the review. They must not make use of research designs or research findings from a proposal or paper under review without the express permission of the author(s) and should not allow others to do so.
I.3 While participating in peer review researchers are obliged to report appropriately, in confidence, any concerns they may have relating to research practice: such concerns may include plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, omission, ethical design or duplicate application.
