Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi

3.972 RCUH MISCONDUCT IN SCIENCE

 Policy

The RCUH endeavors to create and maintain a research environment conductive to conducting scientific investigations, literary pursuits, and dissemination of knowledge.  As equally fundamental, the RCUH strongly discourages any misconduct in the course of carrying out these scientific investigations and pursuits.

 Applies to

This policy applies to all RCUH employees, regardless of status, FTE or employment category.

III. Details of Policy                                              

1. Definition of Scientific Misconduct: The negligence, intentional fraud, or behavior reflecting absence of concern for human rights or the care and welfare of animals.
2. Examples of Scientific Misconduct: Examples include, but are not limited to, false generation of data, plagiarism, credit for work not undertaken, neglecting to maintain accurate records and data, omissions in compliance with standards applicable to the protection of human subjects or standards for the care and welfare of laboratory animals, or violation of Hawaii state statutes which invoke a code of ethics where applicable to scientific research.

Procedures

 Procedures for Addressing Scientific Misconduct:

For University of Hawaii Employees:  In the case of a University of Hawaii (UH) employee, the Executive Director or Director of Human Resources shall refer such allegations or other disclosed evidence to the appropriate UH official for further consideration and action.  The RCUH Executive Director shall be advised of the disposition of the matter by the University.

For RCUH Employees:  In the case of an RCUH employee being the subject of an allegation or other evidence of scientific misconduct, the Executive Director or Director of Human Resources will proceed and be guided by the following process as he deems appropriate.  The RCUH adjudication process will:

Extend to the subject(s) of allegations or other evidence of scientific misconduct confidential treatment to the degree practicable. Like treatment will be afforded to those who in good faith and intent report matters of perceived scientific misconduct;

Assure the subjects of alleged misconduct in a timely and comprehensive inquiry, including the opportunity to be advised of and respond to all allegations following guidelines of due process. The subject(s) shall also be afforded the opportunity to provide written commentary on the conclusions reached by the RCUH investigation process;

Utilize and employ persons in the investigation process who are qualified to assess the appropriateness of conduct in the scientific field(s) involved who have no apparent conflict of interest with the individual subject(s) or the subject matter being investigated;

Observe legal requirements; and

Conclude the inquiry with written findings and, if applicable, initiate appropriate administrative action.

1. For Other Instances of Alleged Scientific Misconduct:  In instances where scientific misconduct is alleged or other evidence suggesting misconduct comes to the attention of the Executive Director or Director of Human Resources, he will undertake separate courses of action depending on whether the subject of the misconduct allegation or in other disclosed evidence is a University of Hawaii (UH) employee (i.e., a principal investigator under service order) or is an RCUH employee, whether assigned to a direct project or a UH service order.
2. Reporting Requirements for Federal Sponsors:  Certain federal sponsors of research projects require reporting and other actions are undertaken in instances of alleged scientific misconduct affecting such projects.  It is the policy of the RCUH to comply with agency rules and/or grant provisions involving alleged scientific misconduct, when applicable.

Responsibilities

1. RCUH Employee
   1. Refrain from engaging in conduct that involves negligence, intentional fraud, or behavior reflecting absence of concern for human rights or the care and welfare of animals.
2. Principal Investigator
   1. Ensure project employees understand what constitutes Scientific Misconduct and its related consequences. Ensure employees refrain from engaging in any Scientific Misconduct activities during their course of employment.

 Contact

RCUH Administration: (808) 956-3100

[email protected]

Date Revised: 03/09/1998, 01/11/2014, 06/27/2018