Office of Research and Project Administration

SPONSORED PROGRAMS COMPLIANCE

6. Scientific Integrity

Administrative Responsibilities/Issues:

Although most administrators are not experts in the area of research, and may not necessarily know if scientific misconduct has taken place, we are often the person in the department that faculty, staff members and students come to for information regarding University policy. This is why it is important for administrators to be aware of the policy for reporting suspected violations of scientific misconduct as noted in the University of Rochester's Policy on Scientific Misconduct or in the Medical Center's Code of Conduct. Refer to the website for the Compliance Office at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/urmc/pol/compliance/code.html.

If an administrator has reason to believe that a faculty member, postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, staff member, etc in their department is guilty of scientific misconduct, they can first discuss this with their Chair or Director. If the Chair or Director agree that a violation has occurred, the reporting policy should be followed. If the suspected violator is the Chair or Director, an administrator can discuss the allegation with the Dean of the appropriate school if they feel comfortable doing so. If the administrator is not comfortable reporting the misconduct to either the Chair or Dean, an anonymous report can be made on the Strong Health Integrity Line at 756-8888.