Researchers on research integrity: a survey of European and American researchers

Reports of questionable or detrimental research practices (QRPs) call into question the reliability of scientific evidence. The International Research Integrity Survey (IRIS) maps the opinions and behaviors of 2,300 researchers based in the US and 45,000 in Europe (including UK, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland)., and how they assess their institutions’ support for research integrity (RI). In comparison to researchers in the US, European researchers admit to more QRPs and are less confident in maintaining high RI standards. In the US and Europe many researchers judge their organization to fall short of best RI practice. All researchers recognize the benefits of RI, reliable knowledge and the trust of colleagues and the public, and there is support for RI training particularly among Europeans. To create and maintain a culture of integrity in scientific research, a collective commitment from researchers, their institutions and funders is needed.