Upholding Research Integrity as a Core Value at Stevens 

At Stevens, our commitment to integrity and ethics is woven into the fabric of our community, shaping our actions, decisions and aspirations. Our strategic plan, Stevens 2032: Inspired by Humanity. Powered by Technology., identifies integrity as a core value of our institution, one that endures regardless of an ever-evolving technological landscape. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards of professional conduct. It is within this framework that we fulfill our responsibilities in research and scholarship — endeavors central to Stevens’ mission and identity as a leading research university — through which we are advancing discovery, innovation and impact. 

Conducting research ethically and responsibly is not simply a matter of compliance. It is fundamental to the credibility of our work; to the trust placed in us by sponsors, research partners and the public; and to the education of our students as future leaders. The actions of individual researchers reflect not only on themselves, but also on the institution as a whole. The reputational risks associated with lapses in research integrity — whether intentional or inadvertent — can be substantial for both individuals and Stevens. 

At the same time, the landscape in which research is conducted is evolving rapidly. Increasingly complex collaborations and new technologies — including artificial intelligence — are also creating new vulnerabilities to research misconduct. These developments heighten the importance of clear expectations, shared understanding and ongoing dialogue across our community. 

For these reasons, we are launching a campus-wide effort to strengthen and sustain a culture of research integrity at Stevens. This effort is grounded in the intrinsic importance of conducting research at the highest standards and is intended to be collaborative, transparent and forward-looking. 

As an initial step, we are announcing the formation of a Research Integrity Working Group, which will be convened by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation through the Office of Research Integrity, Compliance, Education and Systems (RICES). The working group will draw on existing faculty and institutional expertise, with anticipated participation from the Investigator Focus Group, members of the Faculty Senate and the Research Advisory Council, among others. 

The working group will be charged with: 

This work is not intended as a one-time exercise. Rather, it is the beginning of an ongoing process of education, engagement and conversation among faculty, students, staff, administrators and other stakeholders. Training, dialogue and shared learning will be essential components of this effort as it unfolds. 

We are confident that the Stevens community shares a deep commitment to responsible research and scholarship. By engaging collectively and proactively, we can ensure that our policies, practices and culture continue to reflect the highest standards — and that Stevens remains known not only for the excellence of its research, but for the integrity with which it is conducted. 

Ed Synakowski, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, and Vanessa Blau, Senior Director of RICES, will be reaching out to many of you to request your participation in this important activity. We urge you to engage. Also, please contact research@stevens.edu to join the efforts of the working group and to raise any concerns or ask questions. We look forward to your contributions to this important work and will share additional opportunities for working together going forward. 

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