Research Integrity training is essential for researchers at all stages of their career, so that they understand their responsibilities in terms of good research practice. The HEA Principles of Good Practice in Research in Irish HEIs also emphasises that training on research integrity is necessary to support the translation of policy into practice and to ensure that all researchers fully understand their obligations and responsibilities at all stages of the research process. Senior leadership on the good and proper conduct of research, including ensuring that the institution research community is engaged with research integrity training, is vital to its effectiveness in each higher education institution.

The importance of research integrity is evidenced by the increasing significance that research funding organisations place on institutions’/Research Performing Organisations’ compliance with the principles, policies, and practices of Responsible Conduct of Research. Accordingly, most funders across the Irish research landscape require funded researchers to undergo training Research Integrity, and provide evidence of this training, as a condition of their funding awarded. The certification provided by the Epigeum Online Research Integrity Training has been of significance in meeting the requirements of Irish research funding organisations.

• It is expected that all UCC research personnel complete the Epigeum Online Training in Research Integrity, which is endorsed by the National Research Integrity Forum (NRIF). The NRIF recommendation is that this course should be taken at least once every three years in order for researchers to keep abreast of trends/developments in research integrity at a national and international level.

• UCC Research community stakeholders are strongly encourage to avail of additional training in Research Integrity such as the Digital Badge in the Responsible Conduct of Research.