Research Integrity

Scientific integrity is a fundamental pillar of research. It ensures the quality, reliability, and credibility of the knowledge produced. Beyond methodological standards, it encompasses a set of principles and values that shape everyday research practices: honesty, rigor, transparency, respect, and accountability.

These requirements do not apply solely to researchers. They apply to anyone involved in research, regardless of their discipline, role or level of experience. They apply to every stage of the scientific process, from formulating a hypothesis through to disseminating results, including data collection, processing, interpretation and archiving.

Why discuss scientific integrity today ?

Contemporary developments in the academic world – the rise in international collaborations, increased reliance on competitive funding, the growth of digital technology, pressure to publish, and other factors – make the issue of integrity more crucial than ever. Failure to uphold fundamental principles can have serious consequences: for researchers’ reputations, for public trust, and also for the very quality of scientific results.

Numerous cases of misconduct, some of which have been widely reported in the media, serve as a reminder of the need to put in place clear mechanisms to prevent, detect and address high-risk situations. However, the primary objective remains, above all, preventive and educational: to foster a culture of responsible research, where best practices are shared, explained and supported.

A collaborative approach across universities

In the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, universities have committed to strengthening their scientific integrity frameworks through a number of initiatives:

• The establishment of independent Scientific Integrity Committees
• Recognition of the ALLEA Code as a common reference
• The dissemination of awareness-raising and documentation materials, such as reference guides, charters and collectively developed classifications

This page brings together key information to help you better understand scientific integrity, access reliable resources, find a point of contact or navigate complex situations.

What you will find in this section:

• An overview of the founding principles of Scientific Integrity, shared at European level
• An explanation of the role and functioning of the Scientific Integrity Committees, present in every university within the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
• A link to the Mind The GAP online training course, developed by Flemish universities
• A list of essential resources: tools, guides, codes of conduct…