Good Scientific Practice

Manipulated data, idea snatching, dubious authorship – even in the world of natural science research, there are sensitive, semi-taboo issues that no one wants to talk about. To assure that these issues are not simply swept under the rug, rather, that they are thoroughly explained – this is the task of the ombudsman group at HZI.

This independent committee, which has been installed according to the regulations and guidelines of the German Research Foundation (DFG), investigates all cases involving reasonable suspicion of scientific misconduct. It functions as a drop-in facility that can be approached, with confidentiality, by all members of staff at the centre.

The ombudsman group works independently and is not bound to directives from Management. In suspicious cases, they investigate comprehensively and have the right to confiscate and examine laboratory books, computers, data and records of every description.

Their investigative activities are concluded in the form of an extensive statement, in which the ombudsman group delivers an opinion and, if necessary, recommends appropriate measures.

Election of the Ombudsman Group

Members of the ombudsman group are elected for five years by the scientific employees of the HZI. Both male and female employees are eligible who 1) are involved in research and development tasks and 2) possess either a university or polytechnic degree. 

Members

The ombudsman committee of the HZI consists of the following scientists:

  • Dr Katharina Rox (speaker)
  • Dr Berit Lange (deputy speaker)
  • Prof Dr Ursula Bilitewski
  • Dr Thomas Ebensen
  • Prof Dr Dagmar Wirth

Principles of Good Scientific Practice

Several important principles for securing good scientific practice were formulated in 1998 by a commission of the German Research Foundation (DFG). This includes, for example, the commitment to retain primary data from research for ten years, in order to be able to execute retroactive and complete examinations. As regards scientific specialist publications, all authors, in compliance with DFG recommendations, should jointly assume responsibility for correctness of the content. Inclusion of a neutral and independent contact facility, e.g. in the form of an ombudsman committee, is required in the DFG guidelines.

Regulations at HZI

Based on the recommendations from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the HZI has provided binding regulations to make sure that legitimate scientific work is carried out.

Guidelines to ensure good scientific practice

Regulation for working with the laboratory journals of the HZI

Key-criteria to check scientific journals - Supplement to HZI Publication Rules (see Intranet)

Policy on Financial Conflicts of Interest (FCOI)

 

E-Mail Contact

For direct enquiries via e-mail, you can reach the ombudsman group at ombudsgruppe@helmholtz-hzi.de

Members of the ombudsman group

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