The University, as the steward of public funds in support of research, is governed not only by its own internal policies, but also the requirements of our funding partners. In developing our internal policies and procedures to govern compliance at the University, we incorporate external regulations and legislation.
Internal Policies
For a full list of internal policies, consult the Secretariat’s University Policies and Regulations page. The policies and regulations most relevant to research integrity are found below.
Regulation on Conduct of Research
This Regulation establishes a general framework for the conduct of research. It is premised on individual responsibility for the selection and conduct of research and scholarship as individual members of the University community are best positioned, through special knowledge, to be aware of both the manner in which their research and scholarly activities are being conducted and the consequences of such activities. Special responsibility rests with researchers to consider the consequences of their research and to balance the potential benefits against the possibility of harmful applications.
Regulations Concerning the Investigation of Research Misconduct
The Regulations establish a procedural framework that will ensure the promptness, impartiality, fairness, and transparency of McGill’s response to allegations of research misconduct.
Policy on the Disclosure of Wrongdoing
The Policy creates a framework for Members of the university community, acting in good faith, to disclose alleged wrongdoing committed or about to be committed at the University. It also provides protection from Reprisal to persons who, in Good Faith, make a Disclosure or participate in an investigation conducted pursuant to a Disclosure.
Regulation on Conflict of Interest
This Regulation applies to all members of the University community. It is part of a broader commitment by the institution to cultivate and reinforce a culture that will enable its members to identify and resolve conflicts of interest with the support and guidance of the administration and their units.
Policy on Inventions and Software
This policy sets forth the rules applying to the ownership of, and rights to, intellectual property in the form of Inventions and Software developed by McGill University academic staff, administrative and support staff, students, as well as any other physical person working or doing research at or under the auspices of the University. The rules applicable to the ownership and rights to intellectual property (other than Software) covered by copyright are dealt with in the Policy on Copyright.
Policy on Copyright
This policy sets forth the rules applying to ownership of, and rights to, intellectual property covered by copyright, but excluding Software, developed by McGill University academic staff, administrative and support staff, students, as well as any other physical person working or doing research at or under the auspices of the University. The rules applicable to the ownership and rights to Software covered by copyright are set out in the Policy on Inventions and Software.
External Policies
Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research
This RCR Framework describes Agency policies and requirements related to applying for and managing Agency funds, performing research, and disseminating results, and the processes that institutions and Agencies follow in the event of an allegation of a breach of an Agency policy.
Fonds de Recherche du Québec Policy for the Conduct of Research
2014 Policy
2022 Revised Policy in French (English version will be available Spring 2023)
This Policy unites and advances the efforts made by each Fonds with respect to the promotion of the responsible conduct of research. Through this Policy, the FRQ first wish to assume their responsibility with regards to the sound management and responsible use of public funds, and adopt clear and widely known procedures by which they can intervene if necessary. The FRQ hope that the Policy will lead to an ongoing dialogue on the improvement of best practices in Québec, thereby fostering the achievement of research excellence and maintaining public trust in research.