University of Tasmania, Australia

• Part B: Breaches of the Code, Research Misconduct, and the Framework for Resolving Allegations

Cross References:

• Part B of the Australian Code
• Academic Staff Agreement 2010 - 2012
• Managing Allegations of Research Misconduct Procedure

Part B of the Code provides a framework for dealing with allegations of research misconduct and establishing inquiries to determine whether research misconduct has occurred. The Code defines research misconduct as a complaint or allegation that involves all of the following: an alleged breach of the Code, intent and deliberation, recklessness or gross and persistent negligence; and serious consequences, such as false information on the public record, or adverse effects on research participants, animals or the environment. The Code clarifies that research misconduct does not include ‘…honest differences in judgement in management of the research project, and may not include honest errors that are minor or unintentional.’ Breaches of the Code that do not constitute research misconduct still require specific action by supervisors and responsible officers at the University but can often be resolved at the departmental level.

The University of Tasmania Academic Staff Agreement 2010 – 2012 includes, in part, a framework for managing research misconduct allegations based on the Code. The Australian Code Steering Committee is undertaking a thorough review of the requirements of Part B of the Code and will develop the components of the University’s research misconduct framework that have not been addressed by the Academic Staff Agreement 2010 – 2012. The University’s complete framework for managing research misconduct allegations is detailed in the Managing Allegations of Research Misconduct Procedures.

Responsibilities of the University of Tasmania

The University will:

1. Maintain a written policy on receiving and managing complaints or allegations related to research
2. Address allegations of research misconduct appropriately
3. Ensure the person who is the subject of the allegation is treated fairly and provided with the opportunity to respond in writing
4. Ensure the person who makes an allegation is treated fairly and according to any legislative provisions for whistleblowers
5. Have a Designated Person to receive allegations of research misconduct
6. Appoint Advisers in Research Integrity

Responsibilities at the Departmental or Research Centre Level

Departments/Centres are expected to:

1. Establish and maintain a responsible research environment in which a high standard of research practice is expected
2. Declare any actual or apparent conflicts of interest relating to an alleged breach of the Code
3. Manage, if possible, breaches of the Code that do not constitute research misconduct in accordance with University policy
4. Keep full records of the process used to investigate and resolve allegations of breaches of the CodeResponsibilities of ResearchersResearchers are expected to:
5. Report potential research misconduct cases in a timely manner in accordance with University policy