“It is Very Difficult for us to Separate Ourselves from this System”: Views of European Researchers, Research Managers, Administrators and Governance Advisors on Structural and Institutional Influences on Research Integrity

Abstract Research integrity is fundamental to the validity and reliability of scientific findings, for ethical conduct research. As part PRINTEGER (Promoting Integrity as an Integral Dimension Excellence in Research), this study explores views researchers, research managers, administrators, governance advisors Estonia, Italy, Norway UK, focusing specifically on their understanding institutional organisational influences integrity. A total 16 focus groups were conducted. Thematic analysis data revealed that competition pervasive appeared most themes relating The structural frameworks such funding, evaluation publication thought both protect and, more commonly, undermine In addition, systems, including workload governance, shaped participants’ day-to-day work environment, also affecting Participants provided ideas promoting integrity, training, creating conditions would be supportive These findings support a shift away from individual blame towards need changes, organisations wider example funding bodies publishing companies.