AbstractResearch and publication ethics are essential components that underpin the integrity and credibility of academic scholarship. It encompasses an array of principles and guidelines to ensure responsible research conduct and transparent reporting of findings. This study examined the perceptions of research and publication ethics among research scholars at Rani Channamma University, Belagavi, through a descriptive census survey involving all 477 scholars. The findings indicated that while a significant number of scholars were aware of unethical practices, such as misleading authorship and salami slicing, fewer individuals have observed such misconduct in practice. Awareness levels were notably high regarding issues such as gift, ghost and guest authorship, as well as various forms of plagiarism; however, the actual incidence of these issues remained relatively limited. Key challenges identified include pressures to publish, inadequate training and a lack of resources, all of which impede adherence to established ethical standards. The study underscored the need for enhanced ethics training, clear institutional guidelines and mentorship to help scholars navigate ethical complexities. These findings have critical implications for policy and practice, underscoring the importance of fostering a culture of integrity that bolsters the credibility of academic research and supports ethical scholarly contributions.
Kuri et al. (Wed,) studied this question.