Research Integrity

The National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's recent publication, Fostering Integrity in Research states that, "Integrity in research means that the organizations in which research is conducted encourage those involved to exemplify these values in every step of the research process: planning, proposing, performing, and reporting their work; reviewing proposals and work by others; training the next generation of researchers; and maintaining effective stewardship of the scholarly record." (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017)

Resources for Researchers

The Resources for Researchers page is a compilation of resources to support the research community at Harvard University.

Research Misconduct

The Office of Science and Technology Federal Research Misconduct Policy (2000) defines research misconduct as "fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results". The policy acknowledges that research misconduct should be distinguished from honest error or differences of opinion. In recognition of this policy, the University and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) have established policies and procedures and created structures to foster a proper research environment, support and monitor research activities, and deal promptly and effectively with misconduct or allegations of misconduct in research. The Standing Committee on Professional Conduct (CPC) handles allegations of research misconduct involving FAS investigators.

Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Misconduct in Research outlines the procedures for responding to allegations brought against individuals who are involved with the design, conduct, or reporting of research in the FAS. The procedures are designed to ascertain the truth and to protect the rights both of individuals accused of misconduct and of others whose reputations may be brought into question. 

If you have a concern regarding research misconduct, it can be shared with the FAS Research Integrity Officer (RIO) or cpcchair@fas.harvard.edu

You can also contact Ethics Point or the Harvard University Compliance hotline at 1-877-694-2ASK.