UGC to introduce guidance document on academic research

The source suggests that the general framework for enhancing research integrity will be provided by the document by focussing on potential threats and good practices.

Good Academic Research Practices: According to the latest reports, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is all set to release a new guidance document, titled Good Academic Research Practices, on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. The source suggests that the general framework for enhancing research integrity will be provided by the document by focussing on potential threats and good practices.

While talking to a reputed media portal, Dr Bhushan Patwardhan, vice-chairman of the UGC, stated that as there is a need for improving standards of academic integrity, as well as the quality of research, the document is going to be useful. Dr Patwardhan is one of those who played a key role in the efforts against predatory journals. The document’s knowledge partner is Clarivate – Web of Science, which selects and indexes the world’s most influential scholarly literature across all disciplines. The aspects including research design, planning, research execution, documentation and data storage will be addressed by the document. It will also discuss how to check for plagiarism, falsification, fabrication and misrepresentation, and selecting the right journal for publication and mentoring the next generation.

Other aspects addressed in the document include how research misconduct can manifest at any stage of the research cycle.

Dr Patwardhan further added, “While the list of journals of good quality is updated regularly, the new document is about encouraging research integrity, which is vital for science to thrive. The values articulated here can form a sound foundation for research culture that emphasises on integrity in every researcher’s daily practice."

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