Research integrity in clinical epidemiology: core concepts and contemporary challenges

Research integrity is foundational to clinical epidemiology, particularly in an increasingly transparent scientific landscape. As the field of research integrity navigates the evolving demands of open science, data transparency, and collaborative research, it must also grapple with the influence systemic challenges, such as research fairness and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), have on research quality. This Key Concepts article provides a concise overview of research integrity for clinical epidemiologists. It summarizes key principles in research integrity and the emerging overlap with open science, research fairness, and DEI in upholding the integrity of epidemiological research. Practical guidance is provided at every stage of the research lifecycle—from preparing a research proposal to study protocol development and data collection to publication and dissemination of research findings. It addresses how these overlapping concepts demonstrate that research integrity is not merely about methodological rigor, but is a scientific imperative that requires a broader definition of research integrity to produce high-quality research that is responsible and inclusive.