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1. Introduction to GRP

1.1 Definition

As a researcher, you are responsible for conducting your work with integrity, ensuring that your methods and findings are ethical, reliable, and credible.

Good Research Practice (GRP) forms the ethical backbone of high-quality research. The Swedish Research Council (VR, 2024) defines GRP as:

“The collective ethical criteria on how good research should be conducted.”

In practice this means that GRP includes a set of ethical standards and professional responsibilities that guide every part of your research project, from how your experiments and designed and conducted, to data management, to how you communicate your results, and build collaborations.

Simply put, producing trustworthy, high-quality research is impossible without a strong commitment to GRP (VR, 2024).

law The law

In Sweden, following GRP is not just an ethical obligation, it is a legal requirement. As a researcher, you must comply with national and international legislation, including:

Laws

Guidelines

Broader Ethics

Beyond these formal legislations, your institution may also have its own code of conduct that you’re expected to adhere to, such as the SciLifeLab Code of Conduct.

law What this means for you in practice

Upholding GRP is about actively engaging with ethical principles in every aspect of your research. This means:

  • Being aware of and following all relevant regulations that apply to your field.
  • Maintaining good research habits and making ethical decisions at every stage of your work.
  • Exercising sound professional judgment and resisting undue influence.
  • Continuously updating your knowledge to keep pace with evolving ethical and legal standards.

Tip: Think of GRP as your “ethical toolbox” for research decisions.

law The law

In Sweden, the law requires that your research-performing organization guarantees you academic freedom, which also means that a big part of the responsibility to uphold GRP lies directly on you, see:

law What this means for you in practice

While you are expected to conduct your research with integrity, you are not alone in ensuring compliance with GRP. Your institution plays a crucial role in maintaining an ethical and transparent research environment by (SUHF, 2023):

  • Providing training and mentorship to help you navigate GRP principles.
  • Offering support structures, such as clear ethical guidelines.
  • Ensuring infrastructure and technical support is in place, including well-defined procedures.
  • Creating incentives that reward adherence to GRP.

1.4 What you need to succeed

To practice GRP effectively as a researcher, you need to:

Understand GRP Principles

Develop a solid grasp of the ethical standards, legal frameworks, and guidelines that shape responsible research.

Apply Ethical Guidelines

Translate ethical principles into everyday research practice, from experimental design to data management.

Exercise Professional Judgment

Maintain good research habits and exercise sound judgment at each stage of a project.

Resist Pressure

Recognize and resist pressures or conflicts that could compromise research integrity.

Navigate Ethical Dilemmas

Develop the skills and confidence to resolve complex ethical issues responsibly.

1.5 Reflection questions

Please complete the reflection questions in the form below and submit your responses.

Image credits: Scientist by littlestar23 from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)