Research Misconduct

Defining Research Misconduct

Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences in interpretations or judgments of data, nor does it include other forms of misconduct, such as sexual harassment, misuse of funds, or gross negligence in a person’s professional activities, etc.

Reporting Research Misconduct

Maintaining our high standards of scholarly integrity is a shared responsibility of all Texas A&M employees. All employees or individuals associated with Texas A&M should report observed, suspected or apparent misconduct in research to the Research Integrity Officer, Gerianne Alexander, PhD, by email, phone, or in person. If and individual is unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of research misconduct, he or she should discuss the suspected conduct with the Research Integrity Officer. All allegations of research misconduct are evaluated to determine whether there is specific and credible information to act.

Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct

There are three stages of response to an allegation of misconduct: (1) assessment, (2) inquiry, and (3) investigation. Each of these stages is explained fully in university SAP 15.99.03.M1.01: Guidelines for Scientific Misconduct Investigation and Inquiry (rulessaps.tamu.edu/PDFs/15.99.03.M1.01.pdf). All stages of response to an allegation are confidential to the full extent made possible by the law and characterized by respect and fairness towards the individuals involved. When the concern(s) and/or allegation(s) are expressed in good faith, reasonable steps are taken to protect against retaliation directed toward the position and reputation of the individual reporting research misconduct. The individual(s) responding to alleged misconduct are also treated with fairness and respect, and reasonable steps are taken to ensure that procedural safeguards listed in system regulations and in university rules and SAPs are followed.