100-29 Scientific Misconduct

I. Purpose

II. Definitions

Scientific misconduct: fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other practices that seriously deviate from those which are commonly accepted within the scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research. It does not include honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.

III. Policy

A. Principles of Integrity in Research

All persons engaged in research at the University are responsible for adhering to the highest standards of intellectual honesty and integrity in research. Open publication and discussion, emphasis on quality of research, appropriate supervision of personnel and data, maintenance of accurate and detailed research procedures and results, and suitable assignment of credit and responsibility for research and publications are essential elements in fostering intellectual honesty and integrity in research.

Department chairs, principal investigators, and other supervisors of research activities have a responsibility to create an environment that encourages high standards and integrity in research.

B. Allegations of scientific misconduct may be reported to any University official, and should ultimately be reported to the Vice Chancellor--Academic Affairs. Individuals who believe they have evidence of misconduct should report such allegations. The University will take prompt and vigorous action to investigate and address allegations of misconduct in research, based on the following principles:

1. institutional and academic responsibility for self-regulation;

2. mechanisms to protect to the greatest extent possible the due process rights of the accused, the interests of those making allegations, and the public interest;

3. the highest degree of confidentiality compatible with an effective response and applicable sponsor reporting requirements; and

4. precautions against real or apparent conflict of interest.

C. The Vice Chancellor--Academic Affairs will direct that an inquiry be conducted, usually by the appropriate dean, in order to ascertain if there is sufficient reason to conduct a full investigation.

D. When a full investigation is warranted, it shall be conducted by an ad hoc investigating committee of the faculty appointed by the Vice Chancellor--Academic Affairs along with other members as the Vice Chancellor may deem appropriate.

E. The findings of the investigating committee will be transmitted as a detailed, written report to the Vice Chancellor--Academic Affairs for action by the Chancellor.

IV. Responsibility

V. Related Policies

• Reporting Improper Governmental Activities and Protection Against Retaliation ("Whistleblowing") (Policy 150-23)

VI. References

• UCSF Campus Code of Conduct
• Bylaws of the Academic Senate, Office of the President
• Code of Federal Regulations: Responsibilities of PHS Awardee and Applicant Institutions for Dealing with and Reporting Possible Misconduct in Science (42 CFR 50); (45 CFR 689), 7/87 (revised 5/91)
• Employee Relations Manager Katz, Memorandum to Vice Chancellors, Deans, Directors, 8/2/90
• UCSF Procedure for Investigating Faculty Misconduct, Office of the Vice Chancellor--Academic Affairs, 8/97
• University of California Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students, Office of the President:
  Policy on Student Conduct and Discipline (Section 100.00)
• University of California Policy and Procedures for Reporting Improper Governmental Activities and Protection Against Retaliation for Reporting Improper Activities, Office of the President, 1/1/90
• University of California Policy on Integrity in Research, Office of the President, 6/19/90
• University Policy on Faculty Code of Conduct and the Administration of Discipline, Office of the President