Good research practice and handling of suspected deviations

This is how Linnaeus University handles suspicions of deviations from good research practice.

Researchers working at Linnaeus University are responsible for following good research practice in their research. They must maintain high-quality requirements in research and promote good scientific research practice. Linnaeus University has the overall responsibility for ensuring that research at the university is carried out in accordance with good research practice.

From 1 January 2020, responsibility for good research practice and examination of misconduct in research is regulated by law (2019: 504). The new law defines misconduct in research as a serious deviation from good research practice in the form of fabrication, falsification or plagiarism committed intentionally or through gross negligence in planning, conducting or reporting research. Reports of suspected misconduct in research are handled by a special authority, the Board for the examination of misconduct in research. Applications for other deviations from good research practice are handled by the university.

Questions about deviations from good research practice are handled by  The Council for Good Research Practice.

Registration

Grounded suspicion of scientific misconduct or other serious deviations from good research practice must be submitted to the university in a written report to the vice-chancellor. Universities can also take the initiative to initiate an investigation.

A notification must contain information about:

  • what scientific activity, researcher or research group it concerns
  • what the suspected misconduct consists of
  • time of the suspected misconduct
  • any other documentation that supports that the suspected misconduct took place within the university's operations
  • the notifier's name and contact details

In the event of suspicion of misconduct in research, the higher education institution submits a report to the Board for examination of misconduct in research. Suspicion of misconduct in research can also be reported directly to the national board. Other suspected deviations from good research practice are handled by the university.

For a description of the university's processing routines, see Procedure for handling suspected deviations from good research practice.

Law and regulations

The Higher Education Act describes that in the higher education institution's "activities, the credibility of science and good research practice must be safeguarded." (Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 3a).

The Act (2019: 504) on responsibility for good research practice and examination of misconduct in research contains provisions on researchers ’'and research principals’' responsibility for research being carried out in accordance with good research practice and that a special board shall examine issues of misconduct in research. (SFS 2019: 504).

For more information, see the corresponding page in Swedish, God forskningssed och hantering av misstänkta avvikelser