The BEYOND Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Research Misconduct

Authors

Bernabe, Rosemarie de la Cruz , Löfström, Erika, Tammeleht, Anu, Slesinger, Ian, Sairio, Anni, Aryal, Pooja, Khayadi Dash, Keziah Chanyisa, Kaila, Eero, Coman, Alina, Mbanya, Vivian, Iordanou, Kalypso, Simm, Kadri & Lossius Husum, Tonje

Description

The BEYOND Guidelines for Preventing and Addressing Research Misconduct are an aspirational framework designed to help research communities foster environments that uphold responsible research conduct and shared accountability. Building on the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ECoC), the Guidelines affirm core principles of reliability, honesty, respect, and accountability, while highlighting the crucial role of research environments in sustaining integrity. They are addressed to all actors in the research ecosystem from researchers and research organisations to funders, publishers, policymakers, and citizen scientists. They reflect the belief that research integrity is a collective responsibility.

Expanding on the ECoC’s perspective, the BEYOND Guidelines adopt an ecosystem approach that recognises research misconduct not only as an individual lapse but as a phenomenon shaped by systemic, organisational, socio-economic, and cultural factors. They offer recommendations that balance aspirational ideals with practical strategies for prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation. By framing misconduct as a shared, systemic challenge, the Guidelines promote a culture of continuous learning, improvement, and accountability across the entire research landscape.