Ethical Conduct in Research

It is the policy of the University that those conducting research will adhere to the highest ethical standards. The University shall review, inquire into and, if necessary, investigate all instances of alleged research misconduct; and shall endeavor to resolve all instances of alleged misconduct promptly and fairly. When sponsored project funds are involved in the research, the University will comply in a timely manner with sponsor requirements for reporting on cases of possible research misconduct, consistent with the sponsor’s policies.

Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or reporting research results, or in the conduct of other academic pursuits. It also includes unethical research involving living research subjects as well as retaliation against those making allegations of research misconduct. Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

All members of the University community are responsible for reporting what they believe to be misconduct on the part of the faculty, research personnel, students, and other trainees. Any person who possesses information that leads him or her to believe that a member of the University community has engaged in an activity that could be construed as research misconduct should report the matter in writing.

Those performing research of any type are responsible for maintaining the highest ethical standards in their research.

a. Responsibilities of Persons in Supervisory Positions

Principal Investigators are responsible for (1) assuring that ethical conduct in reasearch is followed by all who work under their supervision, directly or indirectly; (2) assuring the validity of all data and information developed and communicated by their research groups; and (3) assuring appropriate citation of contributions from those within and outside each research group.

b. Responsibilities of Persons Who Collaborate on Research Projects

Co-authorship denotes involvement and responsibility for the reported and published research. Although collaborative research relationships are based on trust, some joint evaluation of data should be an integral part of the review process, even in long-distance collaborations.

Since a charge of research misconduct, even if unjustified, may damage an individual's career, any allegation of research misconduct must be handled in an expeditious and confidential manner. It is of paramount importance that full attention be given to the rights of all individuals involved.

The following is a link to UND's Policy on Ethical Conduct in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity:

UND Policy on Ethical Conduct in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity