黑料社区

Research Misconduct Policy

Purpose
黑料社区(EIU) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in research, scholarship, and creative activity. This policy establishes definitions and procedures for responding to allegations of research misconduct in a manner consistent with Public Health Service (PHS) regulations, including (2024 Final Rule).

Scope
This policy applies to all research, research training, and related activities funded by or proposed for funding by the Public Health Service. Other forms of misconduct not covered by this policy may be addressed under applicable University policies.

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

Funded by means the provision of monetary or other direct support through grants, cooperative agreements, or fellowships, and includes sub-grantees, contractors under grants, and individuals who work on the funded research project even though they do not receive compensation from Federal funds.

Investigator (referred to as the “respondent” in this policy) means a principal investigator, co-investigator, program director, trainee on a training grant, recipient of a career award or fellowship, or any other individual responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of research funded by or proposed for funding by the PHS.

Inquiry means information-gathering and initial fact-finding to determine whether an allegation or apparent instance of research misconduct warrants an investigation.

Investigation means an in-depth examination and evaluation of all relevant facts to determine whether research misconduct has occurred.

Deciding Official (DO)
The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) serves as the Deciding Official and has final authority on institutional determinations and administrative actions.

Research Integrity Officer (RIO)
The Vice Provost for Sponsored Research serves as the Research Integrity Officer and is responsible for:

• Receiving allegations of research misconduct
• Assessing allegations for jurisdiction and sufficiency
• Overseeing inquiries and investigations
• Communicating with the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) as required
• Maintaining required records

Allegations of research misconduct must be submitted in writing and signed by the complainant. Allegations shall be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), who serves as the institutional Deciding Official. Anonymous allegations may be reviewed to determine whether they provide sufficient information to warrant further action.

The process for addressing allegations of research misconduct may involve two stages: an inquiry and, if warranted, an investigation.

Inquiry Committee
Upon receipt of an allegation, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall appoint an ad hoc Inquiry Committee. The Inquiry Committee shall be chaired by the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs and shall include four faculty members with significant administrative and/or research experience. Committee members shall have no unresolved conflicts of interest.

The purpose of the inquiry is to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant an investigation. The inquiry is not intended to reach a final determination regarding whether misconduct occurred.

Investigation Committee
If the Inquiry Committee determines that further review is warranted, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall initiate an investigation. The Investigation Committee shall consist of a standing committee appointed by the VPAA, chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School and International Programs, and shall include the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs as a member. Additional members with relevant expertise may be appointed as needed to ensure a fair and impartial review.

All reasonable efforts shall be made to protect the confidentiality of both the complainant and the respondent throughout the inquiry and investigation processes. Information shall be disclosed only on a need-to-know basis and as required by law or federal regulation.

The Chair of the Inquiry Committee shall consult with the Vice President for Academic Affairs regarding the possible involvement of University Legal Counsel prior to initiating the inquiry.

The inquiry shall be completed within sixty (60) calendar days of receipt of the allegation, unless circumstances clearly warrant an extension. The respondent shall be notified of the allegations and provided an opportunity to respond. The response shall be documented as part of the inquiry record.

The appropriate Dean and Department Chair shall be consulted during the inquiry process. A written report summarizing the inquiry and its recommendations shall be submitted to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Records related to the inquiry shall be maintained by the University for at least seven (7) years, or longer if required by federal regulation.

If the Vice President for Academic Affairs determines that an investigation is warranted, the investigation shall be initiated within thirty (30) calendar days following completion of the inquiry.

The respondent shall be informed in writing of the charges prior to initiation of the investigation.

The investigation may include, but is not limited to:
• Examination of relevant research data, proposals, publications, correspondence, and records
• Interviews with the complainant, respondent, and other individuals with relevant information
• Preparation of written summaries of interviews, which shall be provided to the interviewee for comment
• Use of appropriate internal or external expertise

Investigations are expected to be completed within one hundred twenty (120) calendar days of initiation, including preparation of the final report, unless circumstances warrant an extension consistent with federal regulations.

All reasonable precautions shall be taken to avoid conflicts of interest among committee members.

Interim administrative actions may be taken as necessary to protect Federal funds and ensure the integrity of the research process.

The University shall keep the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) informed of developments as required under federal regulations, including matters that may affect current or potential PHS funding or involve risks to public health or Federal resources.

If research misconduct is not substantiated, the University shall make reasonable efforts to restore the reputation of the respondent.

The University shall also take reasonable steps to protect individuals who made allegations in good faith.

If research misconduct is substantiated, the University shall impose appropriate sanctions in accordance with University policies and Board of Trustees regulations and shall take steps to correct the research record as appropriate.

The University shall notify appropriate Federal agencies, including ORI, of the final outcome of the investigation in accordance with federal requirements.

Effective Date: January 1, 2026