POL-U4520.02 Addressing Responsible Conduct of Research

Dates and Approval

Effective Date:

June 6, 1992

Revised Date:

March 12, 2013

Approved by:

President Bruce Shepard

Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, and others engaging in research and scholarly activity using Western Washington University resources.

Overview

There is no overview for this policy.

Definitions

Fabrication

Making up data or results and reporting them.

Falsification

Manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.

Finding of Research Misconduct

  • a significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community;
  • the misconduct committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly; and
  • the allegation is proven by a preponderance of evidence.

Inquiry

Information gathering and initial fact-finding to determine whether an allegation or apparent instance of misconduct warrants investigation. Must be completed within sixty (60) calendar days of the initiation of the inquiry unless there are documented reasons for an extension of time. 42 CFR 93.307(d)(2)(g)

Investigation

Formal examination and evaluation of information to determine if misconduct has occurred. Must be completed within sixty (60) calendar days of the initiation of the investigation unless there are documented reasons for an extension of time. 42 CFR 93.307(d)(2)(g).

Malicious

An act done maliciously is one that is wrongful and performed willfully or intentionally, and without legal justification.

Plagiarism

The appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.

Principal Investigator (PI) or Project Director (PD)

Person responsible for proper management of sponsored agreements.

Research

A systematic experiment, study, evaluation, demonstration, or survey designed to develop or contribute to general knowledge (basic research) or specific knowledge (applied research).

Research Misconduct

  1. Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism is used in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion;
  2. Willful failure to comply with federal, state, or university requirements for i) for protecting researchers, involved research employees, and/or engaged students, ii) human subjects, and the public during research and iii) concerning the humane treatment of, and/or animals in research.
  3. Use of university resources such as research funds, facilities, faculty, staff, or students for unauthorized and/or illegal activities.

Responsible Conduct of Research Panel

Panel responsible for investigating allegations of research misconduct. The panel is comprised of the Vice Provost for Research (Research Integrity Officer) or delegate, and three faculty members at least one of whom is outside the college, unit, or department of the accused individual(s).

Respondent

Person against whom an allegation of research misconduct is directed or who is the subject of a research misconduct proceeding.

Research Integrity Officer

An institutional official who has primary responsibility for implementation of this policy and procedures.

Policy Statements

1. Principal Investigators (PIs) and Researchers Must Not Commit Research Misconduct

No additional description for this statement.

2. Research and Sponsored Programs (RSP) Offers Responsible Conduct of Research Training Face-to-Face and On-Line

No additional description for this statement.

3. Individuals with Knowledge, Concerns, or Evidence of Research Misconduct Must Promptly Report it to the Dean of the Respondent’s College or the Research Integrity Officer

Individuals may report the misconduct orally or in writing.

4. RIO is Responsible for Assessing Allegation and Determining if there is Sufficient Evidence to Warrant Inquiry

Complainant and Respondent are entitled to a prompt and thorough inquiry.

5. Complainant and Respondent Are Protected to the Extent Possible Under State Law

Public records generated in the course of an inquiry or investigation are subject to disclosure under the state Public Disclosure Law, RCW 42.56 et seq., unless specifically subject to the law’s exceptions. Respondent is entitled to Union representation.

6. Retaliation is Prohibited

No faculty, staff or student may take direct action or indirectly influence in any manner the reporting process that could impede the University’s duty and commitment to responsible conduct of research. Retaliation against any individual who makes a good faith effort to make a report of research misconduct is strictly prohibited.

7. RIO Takes Interim Actions as Appropriate

  • Protect federal, state, and university resources,
  • Insure that the purposes of the federal financial assistance are carried out, and
  • Notify any external funding agency if required by law

8. RIO is Responsible for Conducting the Preliminary Inquiry and Submits Inquiry Report to the Provost

No additional description for this statement.

9. Respondents May Submit Additional Comments

No additional description for this statement.

10. Provost Determines Whether to Proceed with a Formal Investigation

The case warrants full investigation if there is a reasonable basis for concluding that the allegation falls within the definition of research misconduct and the preliminary information-gathering from the inquiry indicates that the allegation may have substance.

11. RSP Must Notify the Appropriate Federal Agency if Investigation is Warranted

If federally funded research is involved, RSP provides the Office of Research Integrity (ORI), or other appropriate federal agencies, the written findings of the Investigation within 30 days of the finding that an investigation is warranted.

12. Provost May Resolve Allegations of Research Misconduct Informally

The university is committed to resolving complaints of research misconduct at the earliest and most informal level, conducting internal investigations in a timely and effective manner, adhering to the principles of due process in all investigations and hearings, and providing prompt corrective action if research misconduct is found to have occurred.

13. If a Formal Investigation is Warranted, The Responsible Conduct of Research Panel (RCRP) Investigates the Allegation of Research Misconduct

No additional description for this statement.

14. RCRP Submits a Report of its Findings to the Provost

No additional description for this statement.

15. Provost Reviews Report and May Proceed with Disciplinary Actions

If the Provost determines that the alleged misconduct is substantiated by the findings, he or she will decide on the appropriate actions to be taken. The actions may include but are not limited to:

  • Withdrawal or correction of all pending or published abstracts and papers emanating from the research where research misconduct was found; or
  • Removal of the responsible person from the particular project, letter of reprimand, special monitoring of future work, probation, suspension, salary reduction, or institution of steps leading to possible rank reduction or termination of employment.

16. University May Proceed with Disciplinary Actions

  1. If the panel determines the allegations of misconduct or evidence of false and malicious accusations have been substantiated, appropriate sanctions may be fashioned, subject to the appropriate procedures.
  2. The Provost and College Dean will take steps to protect the party or parties who made good faith allegations, and the individual(s) charged with misconduct if the investigation is deemed unwarranted. Also, the College Dean and the Provost will take such steps as deemed appropriate to repair any damage done to the reputation of individuals falsely accused.
  3. The Provost and College Dean will initiate an inquiry of the complainant in case of apparent false and/or malicious accusations. The Respondent may also request such an inquiry.

17. RSP Maintains All Research Misconduct Investigation Files

RSP maintains the records of the inquiry, investigation, evidence, and reports for seven years following the outcome of the allegation of research misconduct.

18. RSP Prepares the Annual Report to Office of Research Integrity (ORI), and Renews the ORI Assurance

No additional description for this statement.

19. Respondent May Appeal the Investigation Committee’s Finding to the University President

No additional description for this statement.

Policy Information

Authority:

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History:

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Revises:

  • Misconduct in Research and Scholarship

See Also:

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