Misconduct in Research Policy
The research misconduct policy is described in detail in the Miami University Policy and Procedures Manual.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
The RCR Program informs and supports professional and ethical standards for research at Miami University. Mindfulness of the principles of RCR enhances the quality and integrity of research. For some federally sponsored research, completion of Miami University in-person training is mandatory per the grant contract.
Reporting Concerns
"Research misconduct" means fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those that are commonly accepted within the research community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments relating to data.
Reporting
Faculty staff and students can contact Susan McDowell, Vice President for Research at 513-529-3600 to report their concerns. All reports are treated as confidential information.
Steps Following an Allegation
Following an allegation, an inquiry is conducted to determine if there is sufficient evidence of misconduct. This involves collecting and examining evidence and key personnel observations. An inquiry is not a formal hearing; its purpose is to separate allegations deserving of further investigation from frivolous, unjustified, or clearly mistaken interpretations. Senior administrators, upon examining the evidence, determine if formal procedures are warranted. If warranted, a formal investigation is initiated. When research is federally funded, a finding of research misconduct must be reported to the funding agencies: e.g. PHS-Office of Research Integrity, NSF-Office of the Inspector General.
Training
RCR Program goals are to create an environment that is conducive to promoting research integrity by:
- providing student-researchers and post-doctoral fellows with the “survival skills” needed to aid in producing valid and accepted research
- enhance appreciation for ethical standards and professional development
- develop core competencies in responsible conduct of research
- increase understanding of ethical theories, guidelines, and regulations regarding the practice of research
Conveying concepts of sound and ethical conduct of research to new researchers has always been the province of faculty. Much of the program is designed to support faculty in conveying the principles of good practices in science.
Please contact Julie Robinson for training information.
Office of Research and Innovation
102 Roudebush Hall
501 E. High St.
Oxford, OH 45056
