It is very common for researchers to engage in professional activities outside of WashU. Most of these activities do not present concerns for the university or funding agencies, provided they are properly structured and disclosed. It is important to be fully honest in all disclosures. Even if an activity does not feel relevant to disclose, […]
Author: Jessica
Ethical Peer Review Practices
Ethical per review requires confidentiality, objectivity, and competence. Confidentiality As a reviewer, you cannot use or share the unpublished information you are reviewing in any way. It is not acceptable to: As a reviewee, it is also important to respect the confidentiality of the peer review processes. You must not contact any potential reviewers related […]
Dealing with Mentoring Challenges and Changes
Throughout the relationship, the mentor and mentee must maintain open and honest communication. This is key to setting realistic expectations, working well together, and reaching goals. Effective communication, and understanding that others may have different communication styles, can prevent many issues from developing. If challenges do arise, talk it through, explain your side, listen to […]
Mentor and Mentee Responsibilities and Behavior
Mentors Responsibilities As a mentor, you are providing a valuable and critical service to others in the research community. While mentees are responsible for determining their goals and plans, mentors have a responsibility to: It is also important for mentors to: Unacceptable behavior Mentors should never: Mentees Responsibilities It is your responsibility to make appropriate […]
Forming and Cultivating a Successful Mentorship
Each mentoring relationship is unique. What makes one relationship successful may not work well for another. Below are general best practices that generally apply to all mentoring relationships. Mentors and mentees must fulfill agreed upon obligations. Mentors should provide the tools for mentees to develop professionally. Mentees should take the initiative to advance their skillset […]
Hosting Visitors, Students, and Scholars
Hosting visitors in research areas may increase security risks. Follow these best practices to safely host visitors, students, and scholars. Preparing to host Work with your department business office to complete the appropriate packets for any visitor. Review resources for hosting international visitors. Develop an access plan for data and equipment the visitor needs access […]
Effective and Secure Collaborations
Collaborative research, especially internationally collaborative research, continues to be a fundamental principle of research. Collaborative research broadens the depth of information and results, strengthening the research enterprise, researchers, and the United States. Avoiding international collaborations out of fear or unwillingness to take necessary precautions reduces the overall quality of research. Research security practices should be […]
Gather, Analyze, and Report on Data
Gather and Analyze Report Store and Share
Study Design Best Practices
Organize your study to provide the clearest possible answer, then trust in the objectivity of the data rather than looking for the desired outcome. Ensure the target population is fully represented (e.g. if the study researches impacts on all adults, do not gather data just from a single sex or age). Minimize risks to subjects, […]
Documenting Research Activity
Designing a quality study, collecting data, and analyzing that data is the foundation of research. Comprehensive documentation of these processes is key to producing rigorous, responsible, and reproducible research. Because research can take years to complete and can go through many refinements, it is important to thoroughly document the entire research record. Documentation is not […]