Good scientific practice

Preamble

Scientific integrity forms the basis for trustworthy research. It is an example of  academic  voluntary  commitment  that  encompasses  a  respectful  attitude  towards  peers,  research  participants,  animals,  cultural  assets,  and  the  environment,  and  strengthens  and  promotes  vital  public  trust  in  research.  The  constitutionally  guaranteed  freedom  of  research  is  inseparably  linked  to  a  corresponding  responsibility.  Taking  this  responsibility  into  full  account  and embedding  it  in  individual  conduct  is  an  essential  duty  for  every  researcher and for the institutions where research is carried out. The research community itself ensures good practice through fair and honest attitudes and conduct as well as organisational and procedural regulations. (DFG Code of Conduct 2019: 7)

RPTU

At RPTU, the guidelines of the German Research Foundation (DFG) are the basis for good scientific practice. The most recent version always applies. You can find these guidelines and further information here: www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/principles_dfg_funding/good_scientific_practice/index.html

An ombudsman committee has been set up to ensure compliance with this guideline at RPTU. Further information such as the rules of procedure and additional links can be found here: https://rptu.de/en/about-us/organisation/university-bodies/ombuds-committee-good-scientific-practice

Scientific Misconduct and Possible Sanctions

The RPTU's ombudsperson committee for good scientific practice has implemented the relevant DFG guidelines in its "Statutes for Ensuring Good Scientific Practice". These statutes outline, among other things, behaviors that are considered misconduct, as well as the potential academic, employment-related, and civil consequences that may follow if such misconduct is identified.