Promoting Research Integrity and Safety
Research integrity means conducting research in ways that uphold the highest standards of ethics, reliability, and fairness. Kyoto University is committed to fostering an academic environment in which all research is carried out responsibly and in compliance with ethical, legal, and safety standards.
The Office of Research Acceleration offers a range of support services to help researchers meet requirements related to research ethics, compliance, and safety management. These include support for ethical review processes, research safety training, conflict of interest management, and proper use of research funds. By providing these systems, we aim to ensure that all researchers can conduct their work confidently and in full alignment with the university’s principles of responsible research conduct.
Checklist Before Starting Research Activities
Before beginning any research activities at Kyoto University, researchers must complete the required procedures for ethics reviews, safety management, and compliance with laws and regulations. Below are key areas to review:
Ethics and Safety in Life Science Research
Applications and reviews in accordance with relevant laws and university regulations are required for the following types of research:
・Recombinant DNA experiments
・Research involving human subjects (including the use of samples and personal information)
・Compliance with the Nagoya Protocol
・Animal experiments
・Pathogen handling
Security Export Control
When conducting joint research with overseas institutions, accepting foreign nationals, or taking equipment or technologies abroad, researchers must undergo prior review and approval under Kyoto University’s security export control procedures.
Conflict of Interest (COI) Self-Reporting
Industry-academia collaboration activities such as joint research or dual employment may give rise to conflicts of interest. Researchers must complete a COI self-report and undergo screening before engaging in any such activities.
Proper Management of Competitive Research Funds
When using public or competitive research funding, researchers are required to understand and follow correct accounting practices. Completion of designated e-learning courses is mandatory.
Ensuring Research Integrity
To maintain sound and fair research practices amid growing international collaboration and openness, researchers are required to complete e-learning on research integrity and follow institutional guidance.
Promoting Fair Research Activities
To foster fairness and transparency in research, all researchers are encouraged to take part in research fairness training.
Conducting Research Responsibly
Even after research has begun, it must continue to be conducted in a fair, ethical, and safe manner. Below are key considerations during the course of your research.
Proper Management of Research Funds
Researchers must adhere to relevant rules and guidelines when using competitive and public research funds. Refer to the university’s handbook for correct procedures and accounting practices.
Conflict of Interest (COI) and Concurrent Employment
If there are any changes to your research content, collaborators, or compensation (e.g., new joint research, increased payments, etc.), you must update your COI declaration in advance. This ensures continued transparency and compliance.
Promoting Fair Research Practices
To prevent research misconduct such as plagiarism, researchers are encouraged to use plagiarism detection tools and participate in anti-fraud training programs.
Intellectual Property (IP) Management
If your research results in an invention, submit an invention disclosure and consult with the Growth Strategy Division regarding patent filing and technology transfer.
- [Institutional Advancement and Communications] General Information on Intellectual Property
At the time of publication and completion of research results
When research results are published or a project is completed, researchers must follow appropriate procedures to ensure compliance with university policies.
Final confirmation of conflict of interest
Before submitting research findings or presenting at academic conferences, researchers must review and disclose any newly arisen conflicts of interest. Disclosure must be made in accordance with the submission or presentation venue’s guidelines.
Publication of Research Results and Open Access
In line with Kyoto University’s Open Access Policy, academic publications and research outputs should, in principle, be made publicly available. Researchers are encouraged to use available support for Open Access and Open Data publication.
See also Support on Open Access and Open Data.
Other Policies and Systems to Note
Basic Policy on Military Research
Kyoto University maintains a basic policy that it will not conduct research intended for military purposes. This reflects the university’s commitment to peaceful and socially responsible research.