For Building Trust in Science: Good Research Practice (GRP)

Good Research Practice (GRP) implies the core values of integrity, transparency, following best practices, and being oriented towards the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Following the ethics of GRP not only ensures quality assurance and control, but also is the basis for trustworthiness of scientists and their results. Thus, GRP is the premise for acceptance of scientific work in both science and society and the essential requirement for sustainable success, trust, and long-term recognition in science.

FLI is steadily enhancing its own measures to develop and maintain high GRP standards, guided by previous experiences and developments in-house and elsewhere. This website provides an overview on measures, guidelines, and self-commitments for the compliance with GRP at FLI and ombudspersons.

Ombudspersons

The ombudspersons have conducted over the years many interviews with staff members concerning tasks and potentials of the ombudswork. Today, always two ombudspersons are installed to support everyone at FLI in all aspects of GRP.

FLI Guidelines of Good Research Practice

The FLI Guidelines of Good Research Practice serve as a comprehensive handbook for all GRP-related topics and more and is constantly revised and extended according to developments in the field.

FLI Guide to Open Access Publishing

The FLI Guide to Open Access Publishing provides researchers at FLI with a quick introduction to the topic of Open Access Publishing and outlines options for financial support of their Open Access publications at FLI.

Rules for Archiving Publication-relevant Data

Publication-relevant data is archived centrally after a manuscript has been accepted. The process is described in the Appendix of the GRP-Guideline. Appendix H explains the archiving rules. Appendix I contains an “How-To” with practical tips for archiving.

Weekly Institute Seminar

Since 2004, a well-established weekly work-in-progress seminar takes place, in which two scientists present their latest findings to the whole institute. The data presented are scrutinized, controls are assessed and suggestions are brought forward.

Compulsory GRP Trainings

Since 2010, GRP courses have been provided annually at FLI by external trainers. In 2017, the obligatory attendance of GSP courses was extended to group leaders and postdocs. Long-time group leaders and postdocs have to renew this qualification after five years. 

Electronic Lab Notebook

Our scientists document their work using RSpace, an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) system developed by ResearchSpace Ltd.