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Research integrity

Research integrity at Bond University applies to all staff and students involved in learning, teaching, and research. Everyone engaged in research has a responsibility to uphold honesty, fairness, trust, and responsibility across all stages of the research process.

Research integrity underpins the credibility and reputation of the academic community and applies across all areas of research activity, including research design, data management, authorship, publication and reporting, responsible dissemination, and the appropriate declaration and management of conflicts of interest.

Why is research integrity important?

It is essential that all researchers uphold the principles of honesty, accuracy, and integrity to ensure knowledge advances without distortion. Bond University is committed to fostering a strong culture of responsible research practice and safeguarding its reputation within the global academic community.

Research integrity ensures:

  • Trust and confidence in research findings.
  • Compliance with national standards and legal requirements.
  • Safe and ethical conduct involving participants, animals, communities, and the environment.
  • Good research culture, professionalism, and accountability.

What is a Breach of the Code?

A breach is a failure to meet the principles or responsibilities of the Australian Code.

Examples include:

  • Poor or inconsistent data management.
  • Failure to acknowledge contributions appropriately.
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.
  • Inappropriate authorship practices.
  • Mismanagement or loss of research materials.

A serious breach that is intentional, reckless, or negligent may constitute research misconduct.

 

  • Conflicts of Interest

    Researchers must appropriately disclose and manage any personal, professional, or financial interests that could inappropriately influence—or appear to influence—their research. 

    Conflict of interest form

  • Bond supports the accurate, balanced, and responsible dissemination of research findings. Researchers must:

    • Communicate results truthfully and transparently
    • Avoid overstating outcomes or misrepresenting research
    • Protect confidentiality, privacy, and intellectual property
    • Consider the potential consequences of publication
  • Researchers remain accountable for the integrity of any work produced with or informed by artificial intelligence (AI). When using AI tools:

    • Ensure transparency about AI assistance where appropriate
    • Do not input confidential, identifiable, or sensitive data into AI platforms
    • Maintain rigour, accuracy, and proper attribution
    • Avoid reliance on AI in ways that could compromise research validity

    Bond will continue to develop guidance to support the responsible use of AI in research.

    NHMRC Guide for assessing research involving Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Large Language Model Technology (collectively “AI”)

  • Anyone—staff, students, collaborators, or external parties—may raise a research integrity concern.

    You may:

    • Speak confidentially with a Research Integrity Advisor
    • Email the Research Integrity Office at [email protected]

    Bond does not currently use an online complaints form; however, concerns can be submitted by email or through a confidential conversation with an RIA.

    Anonymous reports are accepted.

    Bond handles all concerns in a manner that upholds:

    • Procedural fairness
    • Confidentiality (as far as practicable)
    • The welfare and protection of all parties involved

Conflicts of Interest

Researchers must appropriately disclose and manage any personal, professional, or financial interests that could inappropriately influence—or appear to influence—their research. 

Conflict of interest form

Research Integrity Unit

The Research Integrity Unit is an independent body that manages formal research integrity concerns and complaints. It oversees all stages of assessment and investigation arising from potential research misconduct.

The Unit receives concerns and complaints and provides support throughout the entire assessment and investigation process.

Prof Michael Kimlin

Deputy Provost Research

Contact details

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Melanie Vermeulen

Research Ethics and Integrity Officer

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Research Integrity Advisors

Research Integrity Advisors (RIA) provide confidential, independent advice about good research practice and options for managing concerns. 

 

Dr Rafi Chowdhury

Associate Professor

Bond Business School

Accepting PhD students

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Dr Simone Kelly

Associate Dean - Student Affairs & Service Quality

Bond Business School

Centre for Data Analytics

Accepting PhD students

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Dr Nigel Barnett

Associate Professor

Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine

Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine

Accepting PhD students

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Ms Susan Brandis

Professor

Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine

Accepting PhD students

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Prof Damian Cox

Associate Dean - Research

Faculty of Society & Design

Accepting PhD students

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Dr Daniel Brennan

Associate Professor B

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Research Integrity Training (Staff Only)

Each semester, the Research Integrity Office provides online training sessions for academic staff. These sessions support research‑enabled staff who are new to Bond or whose five‑year renewal is due.

Training covers:

  • Introduction to the Australian Code
  • Principles and researcher responsibilities
  • Case scenarios involving questionable research practices
  • Information on support and advice available at Bond

Upcoming Dates

  • Wednesday, 25 February 2026 – 12:00–1:30pm
  • Monday, 20 April 2026 – 12:00–1:30pm
  • Tuesday, 21 April 2026 – 12:00–1:30pm
  • Thursday, 23 April 2026 – 12:00–1:30pm

Register here

Contact the team at the

Research Integrity Unit