The lab management practices of “Research Exemplars” that foster research rigor and regulatory compliance: A qualitative study of successful principal investigators

Abstract

Introduction Conducting rigorous scientific inquiry within the bounds of research regulation and acceptable practice requires a principal investigator to lead and manage research processes and personnel. This study explores the practices used by investigators nominated as exemplars of research excellence and integrity to produce rigorous, reproducible research and comply with research regulations. Methods Using a qualitative research design, we interviewed 52 principal investigators working in the United States at top research universities and the National Institutes of Health Intramural Research Program. We solicited nominations of researchers meeting two criteria: (1) they are federally-funded researchers doing high-quality, high-impact research, and (2) have reputations for professionalism and integrity. Each investigator received an initial nomination addressing both criteria and at least one additional endorsement corroborating criteria 2. A panel of researchers and our research team reviewed the nominations to select finalists who were invited to participate. The cohort of “Research Exemplars” includes highly accomplished researchers in diverse scientific disciplines. The semi-structured interview questions asked them to describe the routine practices they employ to foster rigor and regulatory compliance. We used inductive thematic analysis to identify common practices. Results The exemplars identified a core set of 8 practices and provided strategies for employing them. The practices included holding regular team meetings, encouraging shared ownership, providing supervision, ensuring adequate training, fostering positive attitudes about compliance, scrutinizing data and findings, and following standard operating procedures. Above all, the use of these practices aim to create a psychologically safe work environment in which lab members openly collaborate to scrutinize their work and share in accountability for rigorous, compliant research. Conclusions Researchers typically receive limited systematic training in how to lead and manage their research teams. Training and education for principal investigators should include essential leadership and management practices and strategies that support doing high-quality research with integrity.

Analysis of Problem in Utilizing School Laboratories in the Chemistry Learning

“…This becomes one of the factors inhibiting the running of the practicum. However, the limitations of these tools and materials can be overcome by teachers by carrying out chemistry lab work in groups and rotation [5]. The availability of tools and materials will determine the implementation of practicum in the laboratory.…”

Understanding research misconduct.

“…In research labs, it is important to maintain a group culture that prioritizes data integrity and research rigor and reproducibility as the highest asset that the lab has, an asset that must be protected. This kind of work group climate starts with the principal investigator communicating this expectation and setting the standard for shared accountability (Antes et al, 2019a). Critically, group practices for the management and review of data are essential, for example, storing data in a centrally accessible location that is reviewed by the principal investigator and routinely reviewing and discussing raw data and interpretation of findings (Antes et al, 2019a).…”

“…This kind of work group climate starts with the principal investigator communicating this expectation and setting the standard for shared accountability (Antes et al, 2019a). Critically, group practices for the management and review of data are essential, for example, storing data in a centrally accessible location that is reviewed by the principal investigator and routinely reviewing and discussing raw data and interpretation of findings (Antes et al, 2019a). Having multiple researchers working together on projects may also provide some protection against wrongdoing because multiple individuals have access to and involvement with the research data (Antes et al, 2019a).…”

The impact of online management systems: a qualitative assessment of staff perception at a clinical research laboratory

“…The management system must be monitored on an ongoing basis, and managers have a fundamental role in generating trust and involving the team. Antes et al (2019) have recently investigated the common practices of "exemplary," successful research investigators, which included encouraging shared ownership, ensuring adequate training, fostering positive attitudes about compliance, and following standard procedures. Gumba et al (2019) reported that a structure that provides leadership and direction contributes to the staff interest in the implementation process of GCLP.…”