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Responsible Conduct of Research & Scholarly Activity

This research guide provides access to a host of resources on the responsible conduct of research and scholarly activity.

Misconduct in Scholarly Activity

             "The only ethical principle which has made science possible is that the truth shall be told all the time.  If we do not penalize false statements made in error, we open up the way for false statements by intention.  And a false statement of fact, made deliberately, is the most serious crime a scientist can commit."

~ Dorothy L. Sayers, Gaudy Night (Lord Peter Wimsey)

One of the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) primary missions is to support the creation and dissemination of knowledge. In fulfilling this mission, members of the UNH community undertake many forms of scholarly activity. Ethical conduct in these activities is vital to ensuring the integrity of the scholarly process and its outcomes.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report, Fostering Integrity in Research, the six core values of scientific research are: 

  • Objectivity
  • Honesty
  • Openness
  • Accountability
  • Fairness
  • Stewardship

Conduct that embodies these values and others that promote trust and collaboration are fundamental to the integrity of scholarly activity.  As in society at large, fraudulent behavior, such as lying, cheating, or stealing, is damaging to, and unacceptable within, the academic community.

Resources