Research Misconduct
The University of Edinburgh is responsible for ensuring that the research it supports is carried out in accordance with best practice. UK Research and Innovation continues to request that there are policies in place to govern good research practice and investigate allegations of misconduct.
Research Misconduct Definition and Process
Research Misconduct includes any of the following:
- fabrication: making up results or other outputs (e.g. artefacts) and presenting them as if they were real
- falsification: manipulating research processes or changing or omitting data without good cause
- plagiarism: using other people’s material without giving proper credit
- misrepresentation: for example, misrepresentation of data, of interests, of qualifications or experience, or of involvement, such as inappropriate claims to authorship or attribution of work
- breach of duty of care: breach of confidentiality such as disclosing the identity of individuals or groups involved in research without their consent; improper conduct in peer review such as failing to disclose conflicts of interest; or not observing legal and ethical requirements or obligations of care
- failure to meet ethical, legal and professional obligations: for example, failure to declare competing interests; misrepresentation of involvement or authorship; misrepresentation of interests; breach of confidentiality; lack of informed consent; misuse of personal data; and abuse of research subjects or materials
- improper dealing with allegations of misconduct: failing to address possible infringements such as attempts to cover up misconduct and reprisals against whistleblowers.
For a full description of the University's Research Misconduct policy please see the link below.
Allegations of Research Misconduct
The Named Person for the College is the Chair of the Research Ethics & Integrity Committee, Professor Andy Mount. The Named Person receives allegations of misconduct on behalf of the College and ensures that they are investigated appropriately. If you have an allegation of misconduct which you believe constitutes research misconduct according to the definition outlined above, and have read the full policy document below so that you understand the process which will be followed in pursuing your allegation, then please submit your allegation via the form below.
Checklist:
- I believe that my allegation constitutes research misconduct as per one or more of the definitions given above.
- I have read the full University Research Misconduct policy below and understand the process which will be followed once the College receives my allegation.
Research Misconduct Informal Reporting Form (secured)
University-wide Research Misconduct Policy
See here a description and flowchart of the University's policy.
Other Codes of Misconduct
The College's policy on Misconduct reflects recommendations from other Codes of Conduct.
University Policy relating to disciplinary, grievance and capability processes