MSEUF Institutional Policy and Guidelines on Research Independence

Rationale

The MSEUF Research Independence Policy and Guidelines set out the institutional principles and standards applicable to all research produced by the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) main campus and its affiliate schools. Upholding the principles of freedom of scientific inquiry and professional integrity, this policy delineates the principles, expectations, responsibilities, and rights of MSEUF research workers, ensuring that they can  pursue their scholarly activities with autonomy and impartiality.

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Scope

This policy applies to all MSEUF research workers such as administrators, faculty members, non-teaching personnel, and students engaged in research activities.

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Principles

• Freedom of Scientific Inquiry: Researchers have the right to freely pursue their scholarly interests and disseminate their findings without undue influence or interference from external parties.
• Unbiased Methodology: Researchers should be able to choose methodologies that are appropriate for their research questions, free from external pressures that might influence the results.
• Intellectual Integrity: Researchers are expected to conduct their work with honesty, transparency, and accountability.
• Ethical Standards: Researchers should adhere to ethical guidelines, professional standards, and best practices in research.
• Impartiality: Research should be conducted without bias or conflict of interest, ensuring objectivity and fairness in the pursuit of knowledge.
• Open Inquiry: Researchers have the freedom to explore diverse perspectives and areas of inquiry.

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Guidelines

1. Freedom of Scientific Inquiry
• MSEUF research workers have the right to choose their research problem, methodologies, and collaborators based on academic merit and relevance.
• MSEUF research workers must be free to pursue their scholarly interests without interference from external pressures or influences.
2. Professional Integrity
• MSEUF research workers are expected to adhere to ethical principles and professional standards in all aspects of their research, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• All allegations of research-related academic misconduct such as plagiarism, fabrication, or falsification of data, will be investigated and addressed in accordance with the MSEUF’s established research policies and procedures. The MSEUF Code of Ethics shall apply.
3. Conflict of Interest
• MSEUF research workers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest to ensure the integrity and objectivity of research.
• They must recuse themselves from decision-making processes where a conflict of interest exists and must fully disclose all relevant affiliations.
4. Institutional Support
• MSEUF will provide its research workers necessary resources, training, and support to uphold academic freedom, integrity, and impartiality.
• Regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars on research ethics, methodologies, and best practices will be conducted.
• MSEUF research workers will have access to institutional resources such as libraries, laboratories, and funding opportunities to support their scholarly activities.

5. External Funding and Sponsorship
• MSEUF encourages its research workers to pursue external funding sources as a means of enhancing and sustaining their research endeavors.
• However, external funding must not jeopardize the impartiality or integrity of the research process.
• Transparency and accountability must be upheld concerning funding sources and any potential influence they may have on the research outcomes.
6. Academic Freedom
• MSEUF research workers have the right to express their scholarly opinions and disseminate their findings freely, without fear of censorship or retaliation.
• In accordance with established principles and legal safeguards. MSEUF affirms its responsibility to protect and promote the academic freedom of its research workers.
7. Compliance and Enforcement
• Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all research workers of MSEUF.
• Violations of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to reprimand, suspension of research privileges, or termination of employment or academic enrollment.
• Reports can be made to the Dr. Cesar A. Villariba Research and Knowledge Management Institute (DCAVRKMI) via email, phone, or in-person meetings.
8. Implementation:
• The DCAVRKMI is responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of this policy, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders across the institution.
• MSEUF research workers are encouraged to consult with the DCAVRKMI for guidance on specific issues or inquiries related to research independence.
• Clear communication channels will be established to address questions, concerns, and inquiries related to research independence.
9. Review and Revision
• This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Feedback from faculty members, researchers, and students will be solicited to inform potential revisions. The DCAVRKMI and the University Research Council (URC) will coordinate the review process and recommend any necessary changes to the University Academic Council for approval. Any amendments to this policy will be communicated to all stakeholders and will take effect upon approval by the University Academic Council.