King's College London expects all research to be conducted with integrity and excellence in mind, in line with any ethical clearance granted (where relevant), and to a standard that meets the UK Research Integrity Office's Code of Practice for Research.

If such standards are not upheld by a King’s researcher, it may be necessary to formally investigate the matter under the King’s Procedure For Investigating and Resolving Allegations of Research Misconduct (the ‘Procedure’). Breaches of good research practice and research misconduct are defined in paragraphs 3.1-3.6 of the Procedure.

The Responsible Officer at King’s College London for dealing with matters arising under the Research Misconduct Procedure is Stephen Large, Senior Vice President (Operations), who can be contacted in relation to such matters via the Research Integrity Office.

Any member of King's College London who suspects that a breach of good research practice or research misconduct may have occurred should, in the first instance, address this with their line manager or Head of Department, to seek local resolution, guidance, or support. If such action is not possible or appropriate, then you are advised to contact the Research Integrity Office directly. Allegations of suspected research misconduct may also be made by individuals external to the College by reporting concerns directly to the Research Integrity Office.

Any member of the university may wish to raise concerns under the Policy on Information Disclosure (Whistleblowing), where appropriate. Where matters of research misconduct are raised this way, they will be referred to the Research Integrity Office to be handled under the research misconduct procedure.

Upon notification of an allegation or concern, the Research Integrity Office will forward the initiator of a complaint a copy of the Proforma for Reporting Allegation(s) of Research Misconduct. Anonymous allegations will be considered at the discretion of King’s College London, taking into account the substance, detail, and seriousness of the allegation.

The College’s Procedure ensures the exercise of due diligence in making inquiries as to the substance and provenance of an allegation. It is important to note that the Procedure is an internal investigation process and is neither adversarial nor disciplinary (though the investigation may result in disciplinary proceedings).

King’s staff and students are advised not to initiate any research misconduct investigation themselves, but instead should report this as detailed above. If any meetings or discussions are held in relation to suspected research misconduct, you are advised to ensure a third party is present to record the discussions in writing.

The Research Integrity Office works closely with HR to ensure that concerns regarding the conduct of King’s researchers are appropriately managed.

We have developed a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the expectations and responsibilities of the HR team and Research Integrity Office in respect of allegations of bullying and harassment and research misconduct made against any member of King’s College London who might conduct research in King’s name.

The Research Integrity Office recognises that making or being the subject of an allegation of research misconduct can be a distressing experience.

For advice and support, individuals should speak to a Research Integrity Advisor within their Faculty, their supervisor, line manager, or Head of Department.

For general support on health and wellbeing, staff can access wellbeing support via our intranet and King’s students can access support via the College’s Health & Wellbeing webpages.

For information or advice relating to research integrity matters, including training and concerns on the appropriate conduct of research, please contact the Research Integrity Office (research-integrity@kcl.ac.uk).