Implementing a Shared Learning Environment to Underpin Responsible Conduct of Research in a Higher Education Institute

Munster Technological University is an advocate of responsible conduct of research. In 2014, the University developed a Code of Good Practice in Research, and in 2017, the University adopted the National Research Integrity Forum’s recommendation to formalise policies, procedures and training around research integrity and ethics. From this latter action, promotion of responsible conduct of research as part of the research culture has been progressing further within the university through the Epigeum Research Integrity Training. In 2021, a number of researchers became certified VIRT2UE trainers through the Embassy of Good Science, along with the embedding of an ECTS accredited module into the university's structured PhD programmes. The main objectives of these initiatives are the promotion of good research practice within the university and to normalise expectation of this practice within the research culture. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the VIRT2UE training and the accredited module were facilitated remotely using Zoom or MS Teams. Training entailed the use of short presentations providing initial topic guidance, with follow-up engaging exercises including, but not limited to, the Dilemma Game, virtues in real life dilemmas, and questionable research practices versus research misconduct. The break-out room functionality of the online platforms was used as a mechanism to promote a shared learning environment, along with the polling function within the online platforms utilised to gauge researchers’ broad understanding pre and post training sessions. There is clear evidence from the polling results of an improvement of researcher knowledge and understanding of issues relating to research integrity. Furthermore, it was noticeable from the reflection and discussion on dilemmas relating to research, that the shared learning environment provided an effective opportunity for researchers to contribute and learn from different subject disciplines, career stages, experiences and perspectives. The overall effectiveness of the training was evident in how researchers’ discussions of values and virtues migrated from a place of near inaction to one where researchers realised that they had choices when it came to their conduct of research. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of implementing a shared learning environment to underpin responsible conduct of research. Thus, further embedding good research practice within the university's research culture.