Report on Responsible Conduct of Research Files
April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024

Figure 1: Status of RCR files for FY 2023-24

Figure 1 long description
  • Opened: 38
  • Closed: 45
  • Active: 58

The Secretariat addressed 103 RCR files between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2024. At the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year, 58 files remained active.

Figure 2: Number of RCR files opened by Agency

Figure 2 long description
  • CIHR: 14
  • NSERC: 16
  • SSHRC: 8

Of the 38 files opened during the reporting period, 14 (37%) related to CIHR-funded research, 16 (42%) related to NSERC-funded research, and 8 (21%) related to SSHRC-funded research.

Figure 3: Outcome of RCR files closed

Figure 3 long description
  • Breach: 30
  • No Breach: 14
  • No Determination: 1

Of the 45 files closed during the reporting period, 30 (67%) involved at least one breach of the RCR Framework. 14 (31%) did not involve a breach and 1 (2%) was closed with no determination.

Figure 4: Breakdown by Agency of RCR files involving a breach

Figure 4 long description
  • CIHR: 14
  • NSERC: 12
  • SSHRC: 4

Of the 30 files involving a breach, 14 (47%) related to CIHR-funded research, 12 (40%) related to NSERC-funded research, and 4 (13%) related to SSHRC-funded research.

Figure 5: RCR files involving a breach by province

Figure 5 long description
  • Ontario: 12 (40%)
  • Quebec: 11 (37%)
  • BC: 4 (13%)
  • Other* (AB, SK): 3 (10%)

*Provinces with fewer than three RCR files involving a breach are included in this category to maintain the confidentiality of the parties involved.

Figure 6: Categories of confirmed breaches

Figure 6 long description
  • Mismanagement of funds: 7 (15%)
  • Plagiarism: 6 (13%)
  • Misrepresentation in Agency application: 6 (13%)
  • Breach of Agency policy: 5 (11%)
  • Mismanagement of conflict of interest: 5 (11%)
  • Inadequate acknowledgement: 4 (8%)
  • Invalid authorship: 3 (7%)
  • Lack of rigour: 3 (7%)
  • Falsification: 3 (7%)
  • Self-plagiarism: 2 (4%)
  • Fabrication: 1 (2%)
  • Destruction of records: 1 (2%)

Of the 30 closed files in which a breach was confirmed, 46 breaches were identified. Some files involved more than one breach.

Figure 7: Types of recourses imposed by the Agencies

Figure 7 long description
  • Letter of reprimand: 11 (26%)
  • Ineligibility to apply for and/or hold Agency funds: 9 (21%)
  • Peer review ineligibility: 9 (21%)
  • Letter of awareness: 8 (18%)
  • Reimbursement: 3 (7%)
  • Training: 3 (7%)

Of the 30 closed files in which a breach was confirmed, 43 recourses were imposed. There may be more than one recourse per breach.

Date modified: