Office of Research Integrity research misconduct

Federal regulations require that the university assume primary responsibility for prevention, detection, and investigation of research misconduct and take action to ensure the integrity of research. University policies establish standards of ethical behavior for all members of the university community and prescribe procedures for due process and discipline for deviation from those standards.

This page provides information on policies and regulations relating to research misconduct. Specifically, this covers allegations of fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism, in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.

Policies

Recent and Notable ORI Research Misconduct Cases

Office of Research Integrity, Research Misconduct – ALJ Decision 7-13-18 Kreipke: Definition of Reckless

The Office of Research Ethics (ORE) supports ethical research practice at Iowa State University through a variety of research integrity programs.

Research Integrity

Conduct that jeopardizes research integrity undermines the advancement of knowledge, erodes public support, wastes resources and may jeopardize safety and health. For this reason, Iowa State University prohibits research misconduct and encourages all members of the University community to report observed, suspected, or apparent research misconduct.

Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or in reporting research results. It also includes ordering, advising or suggesting that subordinates engage in research misconduct. The misconduct must depart significantly from accepted practices of the relevant research community and must be committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. It does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Allegations of research misconduct are handled by a Research Integrity Officer (RIO) appointed by the Vice President for Research. All members of the University community are encouraged to report observed, suspected, or apparent research misconduct to the RIO. If an individual is unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of research misconduct, he or she may meet with or contact the RIO to discuss the suspected research misconduct.

All information regarding possible instances of research misconduct, including the identity of the person accused and the individual making the allegation, is confidential. ISU prohibits retaliation against individuals who make allegations of research misconduct in good faith and any witnesses or others who cooperate in good faith with research misconduct proceedings.

For further information or to discuss a concern, contact the Iowa State Research Integrity Officer (RIO) Dianah Ngonyama at [email protected] or 515-294-2069.

Research misconduct concerns may also be reported on the ISU Compliance and Ethics Hotline.

Resources

ORI Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research by Nicholas Steneck: This is a “must read” introduction to responsible research suitable for students, postdocs, early career investigators, and others who care about responsible research. It covers authorship practices, mentoring, data management, use of humans and animals in research, research misconduct, etc.

The Lab: Avoiding Research Misconduct: This interactive video allows the viewer to play four different roles in a case of suspected research misconduct. It is a highly enjoyable and informative exercise and a “must view” for students, postdocs, principal investigators, and others who suspect a colleague of research misconduct. It also looks into the pressures facing researchers and errors made by principal investigators that can lead to misconduct.

Responding to Research Wrongdoing: A User-Friendly Guide: This guide helps persons who suspect a colleague of cutting corners decide whether and how to approach the suspect informally, potentially stopping misconduct before it happens. It also explains what happens if misconduct occurs and must be handled formally.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Research Integrity: This site, maintained by the lead federal organization for assuring research integrity, contains a wide variety of information for faculty, students, and administrators on the responsible conduct of research and research misconduct.

Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) RCR Training: Online modules that cover a variety of aspects of the responsible conduct of research.

Maintaining integrity of our research programs is of the utmost importance at CWRU. The following information is based on regulatory requirements and the University's high standard of excellence.

Research Misconduct

Research Misconduct means fabrication, falsification, plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. All employees or individuals associated with CWRU should report observed, suspected, or apparent misconduct in research to the Research Integrity Officer. If an individual is unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of research misconduct, he or she may contact the Research Integrity Officer to discuss the suspected misconduct informally.

Resources

CWRU's Research Misconduct Policy (see page 91)
DHHS Office of Research Integrity

Data Management

The Principal Investigator is the custodian of research data, unless agreed on in writing otherwise, and is responsible for the collection, management and retention of research data. Research data must be retained in sufficient detail and for an adequate period of time to enable appropriate responses to questions about accuracy, authenticity, primacy and compliance with laws and regulations governing the conduct of the research. Questions regarding the management of research data should be addressed to the Associate Vice President for Research.

How does the Office of Research Integrity define research misconduct?

What are the 3 types of research misconduct?

What are the penalties for research misconduct imposed by the Office of Research Integrity?

Who investigates research misconduct?