JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 12 – The UTM Research Ethics Committee (UTM REC), in collaboration with the Young Scientists Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), successfully organised the Program on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) 2026 from 10 to 12 August 2026 at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor Bahru.

The three-day program was organised as part of UTM’s continuous efforts to strengthen awareness, knowledge and good practices in research integrity and responsible conduct among the university’s research community. It brought together researchers, academic staff and students who were keen to enhance their understanding of the ethical and professional responsibilities involved in conducting research.

Throughout the program, participants were exposed to key principles and issues related to the responsible conduct of research, including research integrity, ethical decision-making, authorship, research data management, conflicts of interest and other important aspects of good research practice.

The program adopted an interactive and participatory approach through discussions, case studies, presentations and hands-on activities. These sessions encouraged participants to critically examine real-world research scenarios, exchange perspectives and consider appropriate approaches when addressing ethical and integrity-related challenges in research.

Through the practical activities, participants were given opportunities to identify potential ethical concerns, evaluate different courses of action and discuss how responsible decisions could be made when faced with complex research situations. This approach helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application within various research settings.

The program was facilitated by trainers from YSN-ASM and UTM, who shared their expertise, experiences and practical insights with the participants. The interactive sessions also provided a valuable platform for participants to engage directly with the facilitators, raise questions and discuss challenges that researchers may encounter throughout the research process.

The diversity of perspectives shared during the program contributed to meaningful discussions on the responsibilities of researchers and other stakeholders in promoting a culture of integrity. Participants were also encouraged to reflect on their respective roles in ensuring that research is conducted ethically, transparently and in accordance with established professional standards.

Beyond enhancing participants’ understanding of research ethics and integrity, the program highlighted that responsible conduct of research extends beyond regulatory or institutional compliance. It encompasses the values, behaviours and professional responsibilities that researchers should uphold throughout the entire research lifecycle, from research planning and data collection to analysis, publication and dissemination of findings.

Through initiatives such as the RCR program, UTM remains committed to cultivating a strong culture of research integrity, accountability and responsible research practices, supporting the University’s aspiration towards research excellence and meaningful societal impact.

By Zaitul Iffa Abd Rasid, UTM Research Ethics Committee