Table 5. Levels of use of the EQIPD framework.

Levels of use:	Information only (incl. training)	Purpose-fit certification	Quality System
EQIPD guidance:	Recommendations on best practices, examples, templates	Basic set of core requirements	Full set of core requirements
Main users:	Research units, funding organizations	Research units	Research units
Expected use:	As necessary, follow specific recommendations or use provided tools to improve work processes (e.g. increase transparency or make raw data findable or improve reporting) As appropriate, use information provided by EQIPD in training programs; communicate to collaborators, grantees, etc.	Confirm that current quality practices are in line with the basic set of EQIPD core requirements (related to data integrity and rigor in study design, conduct, analysis, and reporting)	Align current research quality practices with the EQIPD expectations (implement full set of core requirements including those that define quality system – i.e. availability of resources, process owner, quality objectives, and continuous improvement mechanisms)
Dedicated efforts by the research unit (e.g., regular and sustained efforts, dedicated personnel):	None	Limited	Yes (proportional to quality objectives)
Context of use:	Research unit is informed about expectations by current or future collaborators, funders, sponsors, publishers, etc.	Flexible solution driven by the time- and resource-critical needs of specific collaboration(s)	Stable solution for long-term maintenance of research rigor standards
Assessment by the EQIPD team:	No	Yes	Yes