Research integrity

Research integrity is important for the quality and reliability of science. Do you have a question, problem or complaint about research integrity? Find out what you can do and who can help you.

Help with questions or problems 

Are you in doubt about the research integrity of a study or a situation within your work environment? There are different ways to answer your question or find a solution to your problem. Which approach is best depends on your specific situation. Discussion is often the first step towards a solution.  

  • Start with a conversation in your own work environment. 
    Often you can already gain clarity by discussing your question or problem with a colleague or supervisor. They may be able to help you find a solution.  

  • Contact a confidential adviser for research integrity.  
    Would you prefer to speak with someone outside your immediate work environment? Radboud University has confidential advisers who specialize in research integrity issues. They are independent and experienced professors and can support you in confidential discussions. A confidential adviser listens to you, thinks along with you and helps you determine the best course of action. You always remain in control.

    Not only Radboud University employees can contact our confidential advisers for research integrity. Anyone can get in touch, as long as the question or issue relates to a staff member of Radboud University.

     vertrouwenspersonen [at] ru.nl (Email a confidential adviser) 
     

  • Are you a PhD student, postdoc or junior (university) lecturer?  
    Then you can also contact a confidential contact person within your faculty or research institute. These are experienced scientists who are easily approachable. You can walk in, e-mail or call them for support with your question or problem. If necessary, they will refer you to a confidential adviser for research integrity.  

     Find the confidential contact person at your faculty

How to file a complaint  

If you suspect that an employee has violated research integrity, you can submit a formal complaint to the Executive Board. This can be done as follows:  

  1. Contact the secretary of the university  
    Submit your complaint in writing to the secretary:  
     - Contact person: Ms. mr. D. Gebbink  
     - E-mail: dorine.gebbink [at] ru.nl (dorine[dot]gebbink[at]ru[dot]nl)  
     
  2. The complaint will be investigated  
    The complaint will be forwarded to the Research Integrity Committee. This committee will investigate the complaint and advise the Executive Board.  
     
  3. Support during the complaint procedure  
    The confidential adviser for research integrity can help you file the complaint and support you during the procedure.  

Would you like to know more about how complaints are handled? See the Academic Integrity Regulations.

Why is research integrity important?  

Research integrity means conducting research based on the principles of honesty, scrupulousness, transparency, independence and responsibility. By following these principles, researchers ensure good and reliable research. Radboud University follows the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. This code of conduct further explains the principles and sets standards for good research. By discussing questions, problems or complaints, together we contribute to the quality of our research. 

 

See also