Research Misconduct

Quality and ethical research require adherence to the highest standards of integrity in proposing, conducting, and reporting research. Misconduct in research is a serious ethical and legal issue. To safeguard the public trust in university research, UC Davis has established a policy and process for promptly investigating allegations of research misconduct. The UC Davis policy on Integrity in Research, PPM 220-05 complies with federal law and applies to all allegations of research misconduct, regardless of funding source.  Under federal law and our policy, research misconduct includes the “fabrication, falsification or plagiarism” in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or in reporting research results.

The Research Ethics and Compliance Office (RECO)  is responsible for evaluating and investigating all allegations of misconduct related to research at UC Davis. For further information about the research integrity policy and procedures, contact the Research Ethics and Compliance Office.

Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.

(a) Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.

(b) Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.

(c) Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.

(d) Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Research Compliance Hotline

At any time, an employee or individual may make a confidential telephone call to the Research Compliance Hotline (877-384-4272) or the University of California Confidential Hotline (800-403-4744).

Resources

Questions?

If you have questions, email us.