Reflections from the recent WCRI in Athens

I recently had the pleasure of presenting a poster at the World Conference on Research Integrity (WCRI) in Athens, which highlighted the significant changes and benefits that the EQIPD (Enhancing Quality In Preclinical Data) framework has brought to our research lab at the Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH). The experience was both rewarding and inspiring, particularly as it reinforced the critical importance of continuous improvement in research practices, regardless of the size of the organization. The interesting discussions with peers were very insightful and helpful. I am always amazed how aligned we are.

EQIPD: A Catalyst for Continuous Improvement

One of the key messages that emerged from the conference and discussions I had were the idea that continuous improvement is essential for maintaining high standards in research. As emphasized by Anja Gilis during her presentation in Plenary A, continuous improvement is not just a luxury but a necessity for ensuring the best quality research in large organizations. This resonates deeply with the principles of EQIPD, which encourages researchers to embed best practices into their daily workflows.

In our lab, implementing EQIPD is a very helpful and enlightening process. The framework has guided us in making small, incremental changes that collectively have led to significant improvements in our research quality and reproducibility. By focusing on aspects like study design, data management, and transparency, we’ve been able to enhance our research process.

Small Labs, Big Impact

One of the main points I wanted to convey through my poster was that the benefits of EQIPD are not limited to a specific size of organizations. Also smaller labs can experience meaningful improvements by adopting these practices. The key lies in recognizing that even small, incremental steps can lead to substantial progress over time.For instance, by standardizing certain procedures and introducing regular quality checks, our lab has been able to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine research integrity. These changes didn’t require massive overhauls or significant financial investment; instead, they were simple adjustments that aligned with EQIPD’s principles of continuous improvement. 

Why Not Broaden the Implementation?

Given the positive impact I have experienced at CIMH, a natural question arises: why aren’t more research labs adopting EQIPD more broadly? While some may perceive the implementation of such frameworks as burdensome or time-consuming, our experience suggests otherwise. The steps required to integrate EQIPD are often straightforward and can be tailored to fit the specific needs and capacities of different labs.Moreover, the benefits far outweigh the initial effort involved. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, EQIPD not only enhances the quality of research but also builds greater trust in scientific findings. As research integrity continues to be a focal point in the scientific community, adopting such frameworks becomes increasingly important.

Conclusion

Presenting at WCRI in Athens was a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we have as researchers to uphold the highest standards of integrity. The EQIPD framework offers a practical and effective way to achieve this, for all labs. By embracing continuous improvement and embedding best practices into our research processes, we can all contribute to the advancement of science in a meaningful and trustworthy manner.I encourage more labs to consider the benefits of EQIPD and to explore how these principles can be adapted to their specific contexts. The journey towards better research practices may begin with small steps, but the impact can be profound.