Global code of conduct for research in resource-poor settings (PDF, 2MB)
This code establishes key principles to ensure fairness, respect, care and honesty in global research partnerships.
UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR)
A group of government departments and research funders who work together to promote collaboration and joint action in global development research. Their website provides useful guidance and tools for global research.
Rethinking Research Collaborative: promoting fair and equitable research partnerships to global challenges
The Rethinking Research Collaborative has identified eight principles for working towards fair and equitable research partnerships and provides modules with ideas to translate the principles into practice.
Nuffield Council on Bioethics: the ethics of research related to healthcare in developing countries
Key ethical issues to consider when undertaking health research in resource-poor settings.
Research in global health emergencies – The Nuffield Council on Bioethics (2020)
Key ethical issues relating to undertaking research in global health emergencies.
Practical ethics in social research with children and families in Young Lives (SAGE)
Exploration of ethics issues when undertaking social research with children in international settings.
Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office / Department for International Development: ethics principles for research and evaluation
Principles for ethical practice in research and evaluation developed by the Department for International Development (DFID) for their award holders.
Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol provides a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
UKRI preventing harm (safeguarding) in research and innovation
This policy sets out our expectations of individuals and organisations in their approaches to safeguarding those involved in research and innovation activities.
UKCDR – guidance on safeguarding in international development research
UKCDR’s guidance on safeguarding in international development research provides tailored guidance for those involved in the research process.
OECD Global Science Forum, research misconduct in international call projects (PDF, 1MB)
Practical guidance on managing research misconduct in collaborative international projects.
Due diligence guidance for UK research organisations (PDF, 140KB)
Due diligence questionnaire (DOCX, 116KB)
Guidance for completing the due diligence questionnaire (DOCX, 105KB)
Guidance and documents to support due diligence in international research partnerships.
NIHR model sites agreements
HRA model agreements
Guidance on establishing agreements between research partners in the UK and internationally.
Ethical Research in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Contexts
The following recommendations were produced as a result of UKRI funding, in partnership with UNICEF.
Funders paper (PDF, 160KB)
The paper captures the key lessons for funders and commissioners of ethical research in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
Guidance for applicants (PDF, 335KB)
These applicant guidelines provide a unique tool for applicants to assure themselves that their research projects will give systematic and on-going consideration to the ethics of research in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The tool provides seven criteria for consideration and a checklist for applicants to use systematically as they write their bid or proposal.
Guidance for reviewers (PDF, 316KB)
These reviewer guidelines provide a unique tool for reviewers to assure themselves, as reviewers and funders that research projects funded will give systematic and on-going consideration to the ethics of research in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. The tool provides seven criteria for consideration and a checklist for reviewers to use systematically to support their review process.