An introduction to conducting responsible and reproducible agricultural research

This article aims to provide researchers with introductory guidance to good practices in the design, conduct and reporting of agricultural research. This narrative review considers issues related to research co-design, ethics and integrity, equity, diversity and inclusion,reproducibility and (meta)data reporting. Aspects for researchers to consider are highlighted, and relevant resources are identified, including academic papers and research funder guidance

Lack of clearly defined standards and guidelines and their limited use in research is among the is-sues that can limit scientific advances and reproducibility. Here, we aim to provide generic guidance and considerations for responsible and reproducible agricultural research, including implementation of soil and crop surveys, laboratory experimentation and short- and long-term field evaluations. Usage of robust and transparent methodologies, combined with wider social and ethical considerations are imperative for the delivery of effective research in support of sustainable agricultural production. Considerations including FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable) data principles, research integrity and ethics, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) of people involved in the study are among the more recent requirements of major research funders. We believe that widespread use of these principles and approaches is essential and increasingly requested by donors, and therefore very important for the agricultural research community.