Ombudspersons for good scientific practice provide confidential advice as independent contact persons for questions on good scientific practice, mediate in conflicts and investigate indications of scientific misconduct.
Compliance with the rules of good scientific practice is a prerequisite for ensuring that research serves scientific, societal and economic progress and that public confidence in the public welfare-oriented work of science is strengthened.
Ombudspersons for good scientific practice are persons of trust who are elected for a three-year term of office and to whom all DIPF members can turn with questions about good scientific practice. Ombudspersons at DIPF are since March 2021 Sebastian Korinth and since July 2024 Johannes Appel.
They advise in cases of uncertainty as to whether certain practices are compatible with the rules of good scientific practice (e.g., use of AI tools). However, it is also the ombudspersons' task to mediate in conflicts relating to good scientific practice and, in cases of suspicion, to check whether scientific misconduct can be ruled out. Typical issues include authorship conflicts, data usage rights, suspected plagiarism or self-plagiarism, suspected data manipulation and inadequate supervision during qualification phases.
Some issues do not fall directly or only partially within the ombudspersons' competence. For example, in cases of abuse of power by supervisors, the involvement of the staff council or equal opportunities officer may be indicated. Nevertheless, ombudspersons can serve as the initial point of contact.
Principles of Ombuds Work
Independence
The ombudspersons act on a voluntary basis, independently and without directives.
Impartiality
Ombudspersons are not proactive investigators. Nor do they investigate rumors unless they are approached with specific information. When allegations are made, both the complainant and the accused are given the opportunity to make a statement. The aim is to find an amicable solution to the conflict. If there is a concrete suspicion of serious misconduct, the matter must be referred to a commission of inquiry.
Confidentiality
All inquiries are treated confidentially and contact with the accused person is only made in agreement with and on the explicit request of the informant. The principle of confidentiality applies to all parties to the conflict and ombudspersons.
Contact
Sebastian Korinth
Johannes Appel
Guidelines and Other Contact Points
- Rules to Ensure Good and Transparent Scientific Practice and Procedures for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct at DIPF (in German, pdf)
- Leibniz Code for Good Research Practice (pdf)
- Guidelines for Good Scientific Practice in the Leibniz Association (pdf)
- DFG – Code of Conduct "Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice"
- Recommendations for Safeguarding Good Research Practice when Using Artificial Intelligence
- Recommendations for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice in the Context of Co-Authorship (pdf)
- Leibniz Advice Centre for Conflict Guidance and Prevention
- Network Against Abuse of Power in Academia
- Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity in Germany