It is expected that research is conducted responsibly, ethically, to the highest standards and in line with City’s Code for Good Practice in Research.
Allegations of misconduct in research are rare but the University takes them very seriously. It is important that City has robust and transparent processes for dealing with allegations of research misconduct should they arise.
The University is committed to ensuring that allegations of misconduct in research are investigated with all possible thoroughness and vigour. We have therefore established a procedure which is proportional, impartial, timely and confidential.
The Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Research Misconduct has been designed to ensure that City protects those who have made a complaint in good faith, and in particular where the case is dismissed.
Likewise, to ensure that City protects accused staff and postgraduate research students in cases where allegations are subsequently dismissed.
City defines misconduct in the context of research as behaviour that represents a serious breach of good practice in research conduct and/or is based on deliberate deception and dishonesty as opposed to unintentional error. Misconduct in research includes acts of omission as well as acts of commission.
Poor practices, such as weak procedures or inadequate record-keeping which may jeopardise the integrity of the research but might only require further training or development rather than formal disciplinary action, are strongly discouraged but are not the focus of this aspect of the procedure.
Neither does it include honest error or difference of for instance opinion, interpretation, or research methodology.
Both staff and students should feel able to raise any legitimate concerns relation to research conduct. If there are any reasons to suspect a breach of good practice or misconduct, this must be reported. The allegation will be investigated as per the Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Research Misconduct [PDF].
Making an allegation
Matters may be discussed orally with the appropriate person in the School (e.g. Associate Dean for Research & Enterprise and/or Head of Department) in the first instance, but it will be necessary to make a complaint in writing to the Named Person if the Complainant wish for an investigation to be instigated.
For formal complaints please e-mail the Named Person Vice-President (Research), Professor Miguel Mera.
City’s Named Person
The Vice-President (Research and Enterprise) Professor Miguel Mera is the designated Named Person with regard to this the overall responsibility for ensuring the integrity of any proceedings under the Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Breach of Good Practice or Research Misconduct.
The Named Person is responsible for:
- Receiving allegations of research misconduct
- Initiating the procedure, including undertaking the screening process
- Appointing the individual(s) to undertake the initial investigation (this would normally be the Associate Dean for Research and/or Head of Department)
- Appointing the Chair and panel members should the allegation require a formal investigation stage
- Maintaining records of the investigation
- Internal and external reporting on the investigation, including the outcome, as appropriate.