Good Research Practice

The publication of the code of conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice” in 1998 marked the establishment of a system of self-regulation within the German research community. The code is based on the fundamental principles of a methodical, systematic and verifiable approach, which are the same throughout all disciplines, countries and cultures. The overriding principle is that of honesty to oneself and to others.

A revised version of the code was published in 2019. In order to continue to be eligible to receive DFG funding, all universities and non-university research institutions must implement the code’s 19 guidelines in a legally binding manner by 07/2023. The measures required include the appointment of an Ombudsperson:

The HFT's bylaws and rules of procedure were amended in 2022 and reviewed by the DFG.

They contain detailed information on what constitutes good scientific practice and scientific misconduct. They also define the role of the Ombudspersons and the Commission for the Investigation of Allegations of Scientific Misconduct.

Bylaws (in German)

Rules of procedure (in German)

Scientists are at liberty to address their concerns to either the HFT Stuttgart-appointed Ombudsperson or the national German Research Ombudsman.

The Ombudsperson act as confidential advisors to affected persons on issues of good scientific practice in general and in particular in suspected cases of scientific misconduct.

The Ombudsperson contributes, as far as possible, to solution-oriented conflict mediation. Among others, conflict may have its roots in one or more of the following areas:

• Inadmissible use of research data and outcomes;
• Plagiarism;
• Obstruction of research activities;
• Obstruction of publication;
• Insufficient referencing or unauthorized authorship;
• Intellectual theft;
• Insufficient supervision of doctoral candidates;
• Employment issues.

The Commission is responsible for the investigation of allegations at the request of either an Ombudsperson or a member of the Commission itself.

The Commission is a Senate-appointed body. The term of office is three years with the possibility of one reappointment. It consists of four academically qualified persons. A substitute is appointed for each member. The ombudsperson and his or her deputy shall be members of the Commission as guests with an advisory vote.