Even in environments with a strong research integrity culture, breaches of good research practice occur. RPOs must set up transparent procedures to receive, detect, handle, and sanction research integrity breaches. Establishing research integrity bodies and standardized procedures within the organization will ensure that whistle-blowers as well as those accused of research misconduct are protected and that allegations are investigated in a fair way. The RIPP must also outline remedies following detection of breaches, such as correction or retraction of papers, consequences or sanctions for researchers who engaged in misconduct, and appropriate steps towards prevention in the future.
