Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr has announced a new independent body to ensure institutions appropriately respond to allegations of research misconduct.

Senator Carr said the Australian Research Integrity Committee would provide greater confidence in the ethical standards of researchers.

“This is about ensuring that taxpayers get value for their investment in public sector research and protecting the Australian brand,” Senator Carr said.

“The committee will assure researchers and the Australian public that institutions are taking appropriate action on serious allegations of research misconduct.”

Senator Carr said the committee would assess whether an institution followed proper process, but would not impinge on the institution's autonomy.

“Institutions will still be responsible for assessing if misconduct has occurred,” he said.

“The committee’s considerations will be in line with the framework set out in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, which guides institutions and researchers in responsible research practices and promotes integrity.”

The Australian Research Integrity Committee will be jointly administered by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

The ARC and NHMRC are seeking expressions of interest for membership of the Australian Research Integrity Committee.

For more information visit www.arc.gov.au or www.nhmrc.gov.au.