Dealing with internal breaches of research integrity
The RFO should establish procedures to address potential breaches of RI standards by its own staff, committee members, and external peer reviewers.Such procedures could include the establishment of a whistle-blowing channel with appropriate protection mechanisms for both whistleblowers and those accused of misconduct, and the designation of responsibility within the RFO to handle such allegations, either to a dedicated ombudsperson, confidential counselor or an independent committee.
Tools
Guideline
To ensure that scientific research is carried out in accordance with the leading principles of scientific integrity – honesty, care, transparency, independence, and responsibility.
SOP
To address allegations of research misconduct with policies that are in accordance with the National Policy Statement on Ensuring Research Integrity in Ireland, the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity and guidance released by the National Forum on Research Integrity.