The 51st Annual Study Meeting was held November 17, 2023, titled “Research Integrity Initiatives to be Promoted by the Professionals of Higher Education”. The background of this meeting is the confusion among research institutions on research integrity in the past few years.
Following the Guidelines for Responding to Misconduct in Research issued by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in 2014, training on research integrity has been provided to faculty, staff, and students across all universities. Moreover, the Act on the Stimulation of Science, Technology and Innovation (December 2008) and the Basic Act on Science, Technology and Innovation (June 2020) also require the assurance of research integrity in the domain of research and development. Notably, the evolving concept of research security and integrity, expanded from conventional research integrity, has introduced significant shifts, prompting a necessary reconsideration of research practices within universities. However, are there any concrete movements in the field of higher education? This year's meeting sought to answer such questions.
The annual meeting began with keynote speeches from general perspectives: the fundamental concepts, educational strategies, the expansion of research integrity, and its promotion systems in universities. Professor Jun Fudano (Waseda University), Professor Takahiko Sasaki (Tohoku University), and Dr. Nouchi (Hiroshima University) shared insights about the activities at their respective universities and what they are thinking about in their daily research integrity activities, including specific examples. Subsequently, Dr. Kouji Okabayashi (Tsukuba University) and Dr. Yoshiko Saito (Nagoya University) shared extensive experiences in teaching research integrity from their unique vantage points. Dr. Chie Hikasa (Shinshu University) commented as a designated discussant based on her own experience and related findings.
The meeting witnessed a significant turnout, both in-person and online. We extend our sincere gratitude to all the speakers and participants for their valuable contributions amidst their demanding schedules. We are pleased to be able to compile a record of the day as a publication of the Research Institute for Higher Education, Hiroshima University. It is our aspiration that this publication will foster and advance discussions on research integrity within the realm of higher education.