Academic integrity
Proper academic research complies with the principles of honesty, due diligence, transparency, independence and responsibility. SteR fully endorses these principles from the Dutch Code of Conduct for Scientific Practice. Within SteR, these core values of proper research receive continued attention. The following measures have been taken to ensure the embedding of these principles within the academic culture of SteR.
Joint Ethics Committee
SteR participates in the Ethics Assessment Committee Faculty of Law and Nijmegen School of Management (EACLM), which consists of the chairmen of the research committees of both faculties as well as an ethical expert. This committee ensures that the research in both faculties is in accordance with the applicable ethical guidelines.
The EACLM plays an important role in empirical research in particular. However, the committee also examines all research applications with an ethical section. In doing so, it advises on ethical issues with regard to the collection of research data (such as interviews and the recruitment of research subjects) and on responsible use of the (sometimes sensitive) data that the research generates.
Impartiality and independence
In relation to academic impartiality and independence, particular attention is required when external research is funded by third parties and with regard to the fulfillment of additional positions by academics. Guaranteeing impartiality and independence is a task of the Faculty Board and the SteR Board together.
External research financing
With regard to externally funded research, SteR endorses the KNAW's Declaration of Scientific Independence. SteR only accepts external research assignments if the underlying contract does not conflict with the principles established by KNAW for the independence of academic research. It is particularly important that the researcher and not the client has the final say on the results of the research; that the reimbursement or remuneration is in no way dependent on the results of the investigation; and that SteR stipulates that the results may always be published, even if they be less favorable for the client.
Other positions
The performance of socially relevant positions outside academia is encouraged by SteR: experience shows that the fulfillment of such positions can greatly contribute to the cross-fertilisation between academia and legal practice that SteR pursues. At the same time, such positions must never hinder the independence of the research. All members of SteR are called upon to remain aware of any potential conflicts of interest. That is why all SteR members make their additional positions known on their personal page. This falls in line with the Radboud-wide policy.
Suspicions of violation of academic integrity
SteR falls within the ambit of the general complaints procedure of the Radboud University Academic Integrity Regulations. Anyone suspecting an irregularity can discuss this confidentially with one of the two independent university confidential advisors. If desired, a complaint can also be submitted to the university's Executive Board, which is advised by the Radboud-wide Scientific Integrity Committee when handling the complaint.