iThenticate is a plagiarism detection system that is available for researchers to aid in reviewing and assessing research outputs. It was endorsed by the University Higher Degree Research Committee (UHDRC) in S1 2017 to provide a tool that is specifically intended for research and research outputs.
The main purpose of iThenticate is to undertake similarity checks and to assist in detection of plagiarised material in draft manuscripts/theses and published research (i.e. conference papers, journals paper, books and book chapters).
iThenticate is intended for research whereas Turnitin is intended for undergraduate coursework and coursework assessment. For more information, please refer to this comparison table.
It should be noted that iThenticate cannot by itself detect plagiarism. It is a text matching tool and academics who are experts in their field are best placed to identify if plagiarism exists in a document
iThenticate is available to UNSW researchers and those supervising Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates. In the context of supervising candidates it is important to note that HDR candidates do not have access to iThenticate. They are advised to submit their research outputs through their supervisor as a supervisor guided learning process.
View the User Flowchart for guidance on the correct use of iThenticate.
For more information, visit UNSW iThenticate Frequently Asked Questions.
For practical "how to" instructions for using iThenticate scroll down this page to see YouTube videos.
Access: If you have already used iThenticate, you will have an account. Click here to log into your iThenticate account.
New users can gain access to iThenticate by contacting UNSW IT Service Centre (itservicecentre@unsw.edu.au). You will need to provide your UNSW zID. Once the request has been approved, you will receive an automatic email from iThenticate confirming access details and login information.
If you have forgotten your password or need technical support, you will need to submit an IT Service Desk ticket via https://www.myit.unsw.edu.au/contact-us or by email to itservicecentre@unsw.edu.au.
For licensing questions or if iThenticate is asking you to pay, please contact the Research Integrity Unit.
Note: If you are a HDR candidate or are requesting access for your HDR studies then access will only be provided to your HDR supervisor, we therefore request that you please seek access through your supervisor.
Live training webinars, training videos and additional guidance are available on the iThenticate website.
For additional guidance, please visit the UNSW iThenticate Frequently Asked Questions.
As a research intensive university UNSW relies on research outputs being robust and accurate; and it must be satisfied that the research underpinning the research output is conducted in accordance with the UNSW Research Code of Conduct and the principles for the responsible conduct of research.
Researchers must conduct their activities in an ethical and professional manner, ensuring validity and accuracy in the collection and reporting of data.
-
The purpose of research is the creation and dissemination of new knowledge and emphasises the importance of transparency and due process to allow claims and findings to be tested by others
-
Researchers should ensure all research outputs are accurate and the contributions of all researchers are appropriately acknowledged (i.e. correcting listing the authors on the paper or appropriately acknowledging the contributions of researchers).
-
Utilising iThenticate as a tool to ensure the accuracy in research outputs.
-
Researchers should regularly discuss research with their supervisor to ensure the accuracy in reporting research results and the responsibilities of all researchers with regards to the UNSW Research Code of Conduct.
-
Prior to submission of any research outputs for publications, supervisors must declare that they are satisfied with the quality of the writing and that the research output is free of any plagiarised material.
To support development of higher order academic writing skills, supervisors should evaluate their candidates' writing at regular stages throughout their candidature, to assess quality of writing, appropriateness of referencing and absence of plagiarism.
Recommended principles for the supervisory approach include:
-
Regular review and feedback to candidates on their writing
-
A collaborative approach to using iThenticate between the supervisor and candidate is encouraged with the supervisor providing academic guidance to the learning process
-
Where the quality of writing is below the level expected supervisors should discuss the issues with the candidate and counsel the candidate on avenues for further academic writing support
-
Where plagiarism is detected, the supervisor should discuss the extent and nature of the plagiarism with the candidate and discuss with them the next stages of dealing with the matter
-
Prior to submission of the thesis, supervisors must declare that they are satisfied with the quality of the writing and that the thesis is free of any plagiarised material
Note: All HDRs are enrolled automatically in the online Research Integrity module once their initial enrolment has been finalised. It covers a wide range of topics including plagiarism. All HDRs are required to achieve a minimum 75% score in the compulsory assessment prior to Confirmation of Candidature. For further details on how you can support your candidate, please visit Supervisors and Research Integrity.
iThenticate has been provided to UNSW researchers in accordance with:
When using iThenticate UNSW researchers need to be aware of their responsibilities in accordance with the UNSW policies/procedures listed above.
