Research Misconduct
Nobel Quote from Project Syndicate, July 11, 2012
Scientific fraud, plagiarism, and ghost writing are increasingly being reported in the news media, creating the impression that misconduct has become a widespread and omnipresent evil in scientific research. But these reports are more an example of sensationalist media latching on to a hot topic than a true account of the deterioration of scientific values.
| Nobel Laureate in Physics, 1986 (1933-2013)
Research Misconduct
In the event that allegations of research misconduct are reported, the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) is responsible for implementing the established policy and procedures for impartial fact finding that leads to the fair adjudication of the allegations. The policy and procedures, described by the University of Illinois System Policy and Procedures on Integrity in Research and Publication (Policy), were established to be in compliance with federal regulations. Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification or plagiarism and may also include conduct that seriously deviates from accepted ethical guidelines and professional standards in scholarship and research. Honest error or difference of opinion does not constitute research misconduct.
Any member of the University community who has information related to potential Research Misconduct has a duty to report such information to the unit executive officer (Department Head, Center Director, or similar) of the principle investigator or researcher of the unit where the alleged misconduct took place, or to the RIO, each of whom will notify the other. If you would like to report allegations of research misconduct:
- Allegations, or questions about the research misconduct process, can be brought to the attention of the RIO by email (RIO@uic.edu) or by using this form.
- Allegations must only be brought forth in good faith.
- Allegations should be sufficiently specific to enable potential evidence of research misconduct to be identified.
All faculty, students, and members of the academic and administrative staff of the University, or anyone who is an agent of, or is affiliated by contract or agreement with UIC is responsible for adhering to the Policy.
Concerns involving Research and Scholarly Activities at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) should be reported to UIUC’s Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation.