Universities UK has responded to the publication of Sir Muir Russell's Independent Climate Change E-mails Review. The Review was established in December 2009 after emails from the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit were hacked and published online. 

Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “Universities UK is pleased with the review's finding that the rigour and honesty of scientists at the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit are not in doubt.

“Sir Muir Russell has conducted a thorough and objective review into events last year. It is entirely appropriate that these allegations were investigated thoroughly by an independent process that was fair to all concerned.

“There are lessons here for the university sector as a whole, particularly in relation to openness and Freedom of Information. Researchers and research organisations are always developing and improving how research is carried out and published. We agree that it is vital that researches are self-critical and think about the wider aspects and implications of their work, particularly in controversial areas such as this.

“The principle of academic freedom is central to the work of higher education institutions. Researchers must have freedom within the law to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions without the fear of intimidation and threats.

“Attempts to create controversy and discredit researchers in some fields serves only to erode public trust in our researchers and risks setting back progress in many key areas. If Einstein had been subjected to such challenges when his research was in the formative stage, his reputation would have been terminally damaged before he got to the theory of relativity.

“We cannot have a situation where researchers, dealing with controversial areas of study, are faced with a barrage of requests for information on early drafts of research and discussions, with the sole aim of disrupting that work. While the principles of the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) are supported by all universities, and the vast majority of Freedom of Information requests are handled efficiently and effectively, there remain some critical questions about the application of the Act, and Environmental Information Regulations, to research data and correspondence. As the report points out, there is a clear need for clarification from the Information Commissioners’ Office about the treatment of material relating to research, and how best to respond to orchestrated campaigns and harassment. Universities UK will be meeting with representatives of the Information Commissioner’s Office in the next few weeks to discuss this and other issues.

“Research integrity is vital and there must be public trust in the work conducted at our universities. The UK leads the world in terms of the quality of its university research so the integrity of this work is crucial and must be safeguarded.

“Recognising this, Universities UK worked with other organisations some years ago to set up the UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO) to provide independent and expert advice to researchers, employers and the public on good practice in research and addressing misconduct.”

Notes

1. The independent Climate Change Email Review, led by Sir Muir Russell, was announced in December 2009 after emails from the University of East Anglia’s Climatic Research Unit were hacked and published online. For more information on today's final report from the Independent Climate Change E-mails Review, visit: www.cce-review.org/ 
2. Universities UK is the major representative body and membership organisation for the higher education sector. It represents the UK's universities and some higher education colleges. Its 133 members are the executive heads of these institutions. Universities UK works closely with policy makers and key education stakeholders to advance the interests of universities and to spread good practice throughout the higher education sector. Founded in 1918 and formerly known as the Committee for Vice-Chancellors and Principals (CVCP), Universities UK celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2008.
3. The UK Research Integrity Office (UKRIO), established in 2006, is an independent body which offers confidential and expert advice and guidance to universities, other research organisations, individual researchers and members of the public about the conduct of research. UKRIO also publishes guidance on good research practice and operates a help-line service where concerns can be reported in complete confidence. UKRIO is not a regulatory body and the advice and guidance it offers is not mandatory but reflects best practice in the conduct of research and addressing misconduct.  Further information about UKRIO is available from its website: www.ukrio.org 
4. Last year, UKRIO launched its Code of Practice for Research: Promoting good practice and preventing misconduct. UKRIO’s standards have been adopted by universities  and endorsed by funding bodies and it has become clear that institutions are willing to come forward and seek guidance on difficult issues. The Code of Practice for Research can be downloaded at: http://www.ukrio.org/resources/UKRIO%20Code%20of%20Practice%20for%20Research.pdf