The role of senior researchers in promoting good science: Obstacles and enablers

Abstract

This essay examines senior researchers’ professional responsibilities in fostering ethical research practices within their teams, as outlined in the ALLEA European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. Senior researchers have an important role in preventing research misconduct and promoting a supportive academic environment. However, pressures within academia - particularly the ‘publish or perish’ culture - can lead to stress and potentially unethical practices, including power misuse, exploitation, and neglect of supervisory responsibilities. This essay explores the challenges senior researchers face in fulfilling their responsibilities and highlights a ‘slow science’ approach and targeted training to prioritize quality over quantity and to promote better supervision practices.