The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Workshop, held on 8 and 9 January, benefitted a total of 108 undergraduate students from Dietetics with Nutrition, Nutrition, Chinese Medicine, Medical Biotechnology, and Biomedical Science programmes. The organising committee comprised IMU staff members who had attended a recent RCR workshop organised by the Young Scientists Network–Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), namely

• Dr Wong Ting Xuan (as the Organising Chair),
• Dr Lai Pei Kuan,
• Dr Lee Yi Yi,
• Dr Lim Wui Zhuan
• Dr Megan Chong Hueh Zan
• Dr Nur Alia Johari
• Dr Shamala Salvamani
• Mr Sng Kim Sia
• Dr Tan Siew Tin and
• Dr Yong Heng Yaw

The organising committee members were under the guidance of Prof Ts Dr Mai Chun Wai (IMU, YSN-ASM Chairperson) and Assistant Prof Dr Michelle Teo (UCSI, YSN-ASM Scientific Integrity Chair).

The workshop introduced students to the core principles of responsible research: honesty, accountability, transparency, and respect for data and participants. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, participants explored common ethical challenges such as plagiarism, data manipulation, authorship disputes, and proper data management. Interactive discussions encouraged students to reflect on their responsibilities as emerging researchers and emphasised the importance of ethical decision-making for scientific credibility and public trust. Students also learned about IMU’s research ethics policies and gained early exposure to expectations and best practices for their Final Year Projects and future research endeavours.

Dr Wong Ting Xuan
Organising Chair & Trainer,
School of Health Sciences, IMU University

Chairing the organising committee for the Responsible Conduct of Research Workshop was a meaningful and rewarding experience. It was deeply fulfilling to see IMU staff mentor students on research integrity and to witness students actively engage in ethical discussions. This workshop translated key elements of the students’ curriculum into practical learning, reinforcing research ethics taught in the classroom. I sincerely thank the Dean and faculty of the School of Health Sciences, the Department of Chinese Medicine, and YSN-ASM for their strong support and collaboration. Together, this initiative reflected a passing of the baton from staff to students in nurturing the next generation of scientists grounded in ethical research practice.

Dr Yong Heng Yaw
Trainer,
School of Health Sciences, IMU University

It was meaningful to remind students that research integrity is the foundation of credible science. I was glad to see them actively engaging in the discussions and activities, even though they may not face these issues yet. These early exposures will help shape them into responsible researchers who can be trusted.

Dr Lai Pei Kuan
Trainer
Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, IMU University

It is indeed crucial for undergraduate students to be exposed to research integrity and the responsible conduct of research at an early stage. The knowledge and values imparted will certainly lay a vital foundation and continue to guide them throughout their future research endeavours. I am personally encouraged and inspired to see such initiatives shaping the next generation of researchers.

Dr Tan Siew Tin
Trainer,
School of Health Sciences, IMU University

Dr Shamala Salvamani
Trainer,
School of Health Sciences, IMU University

It was an honour to serve as a facilitator for the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Programme in IMU University. The programme provided a valuable platform for young researchers to engage in meaningful discussions on research ethics, integrity and professional responsibility. I was encouraged by the students’ active involvement and thoughtful reflections on real-world ethical challenges. This initiative plays an important role in strengthening a culture of responsible and trustworthy research in university, and I am grateful to be part of this impactful effort.

Mr Sng Kim Sia
Trainer,
School of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, IMU University

Introducing topics such as authorship and publication ethics at an early stage is crucial in shaping undergraduate students’ ethical awareness and judgement before they encounter real research challenges. The interprofessional discussions and debate activities highlighted the importance of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility in conducting ethical research across disciplines. The students’ active engagement in the workshop reflected the value of fostering a collective commitment to integrity and responsible research practice from the undergraduate level.

Ms Thishalini A/P Suresh (MB124)

I enjoyed collaborating with Biomedical Science students, which made the workshop socially enriching. The interactive debate session was especially memorable and thought-provoking. The workshop provided valuable ethical perspectives that will help me confidently navigate real-life research challenges during my Semester 5 FYP (Final Year Project).

Mr Tan Yu Shuan (MB124)

 The authorship debate was the most engaging part of the workshop, as it challenged me to justify and defend various viewpoints. It strengthened my understanding of ethical authorship and research integrity, which will be essential in conducting my upcoming research project responsibly and professionally.

Thaw Honey (BM124)

 The Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) workshop was a meaningful and enriching experience that exposed me to the many different aspects of research, including ethics, integrity, and research writing. Although much of the content was initially unfamiliar, the speakers made each session engaging and easy to understand. I would especially like to applaud the speakers and facilitators, who did their absolute best to guide us through every topic and were incredibly patient and supportive throughout the workshop. Despite the long hours from 8am to 5pm, the interactive discussions, teamwork, and shared learning kept me motivated until the end. The final debate session was particularly memorable, as it encouraged critical thinking, open discussion, and learning from one another. Overall, the workshop deepened my appreciation for conducting research responsibly and collaboratively.

Gan Xin Rou (BM124)

 It was an insightful workshop that made me realise that research goes beyond lab works and writing papers. I found the debate segment to be the most stimulating because it allowed my peers to voice out their contrasting opinions, which just shows that situations aren’t always black and white. I also genuinely enjoyed the role play activity because it encouraged us to think critically and tackle challenges we might face as future researcher, so kudos to those that suggested this session. Learning about issues like conflicts of interest and plagiarism truly helped me understand why being transparent in our work as a researcher is so important. All in all, thank you for organising this programme for us!

Celine Wong Ern Ni (DN123)

I love how enthusiastic all the trainers were throughout the whole workshop. They have high energy and make the workshop livelier. I also appreciate that facilitators were there to help us during some activities because we get confused easily. The time management was good. The workshop and the trainers all felt very professional and well prepared.

Nabila Raisa (DN123)

I like how the facilitators and the speakers were very helpful and friendly. I like how they encourage engagement and all the topics given were very helpful because I have a love hate relationship with research so this workshop helped me to understand better in some ways.

Cheong Rong En (CM123)

Through this workshop, I gained a deeper understanding of proper research procedures and the importance of conducting research systematically. The use of games as a learning tool enhanced engagement and helped simplify complex research concepts.

Lin Wen Ling (CM123)

The facilitators are truly engaging throughout the workshop and helps me understand better elements in research and makes me realise importance of being responsible in research. The groupmates are friendly and helpful, making the activity even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, the Responsible Conduct of Research Workshop represents an important step in strengthening students’ understanding of ethical and responsible research practice, while reinforcing the integration of research integrity within their curriculum.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Prof Dr Anna Ling Pick Kiong, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, whose support and encouragement underscored IMU’s ongoing efforts to groom responsible researchers for the betterment of tomorrow, in line with the One Health concept that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

Article contributed by staff trainers and student participants of the YSN-ASM X IMU Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Workshop