Research Misconduct

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to:

 What is misconduct in research?

Under University of Colorado policy, misconduct in research means:

1. Fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and other forms of misrepresentation of ideas, and other serious deviations from accepted practices in proposing, carrying out, reviewing, or reporting results from research.
2. Failure to comply with established standards regarding author names on publications.
3. Retaliation of any kind against a person who, in good faith, reported or provided information about suspected or alleged misconduct in research.
4. Misconduct in research does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Definitions can be found in federal and institutional policies.

Further, misconduct is intentional, knowing, or reckless in its behavior.

What if you suspect misconduct?

1. Schedule a meeting: If you have questions or concerns about conduct of research at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus and would like to discuss the issues in a confidential setting, please contact us.
2. Complete and submit this Form to Raise an Allegation Relating to Research Misconduct.
3. For total anonymity: Use the Ethics Point Line (Keep in mind that an anonymous report makes it difficult to make progress in an investigation. Anonymous reports cannot be addressed with the same vigor as one where the complainant is available to investigators.)

What happens to the “whistle-blower” (complainant)?

According to University of Colorado Administrative Policy Statement: “Misconduct in Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activities”, Section II:

• Reporting: University employees have an obligation to report observed or suspected Misconduct in Research to the designated campus Research Integrity Officer. Except to the extent necessary to comply with reporting requirements or state law, or to defend any legal action which might be asserted against the University, the Research Integrity Officer will maintain confidential any such discussions or consultations regarding concerns of possible Misconduct in Research.
• Non-Retaliation: The University prohibits retaliation of any kind against Complainants, witnesses, or committee members. Employees should immediately report any alleged or apparent retaliation to the Research Integrity Officer or to the CU Ethics Line.
  

What is the procedure for handling alleged misconduct at this University?

• Guidelines and Procedures for Responding to Allegations of Scientific Misconduct (.pdf)
• Process to Address Allegations of Scientific Misconduct