Further links on ombudsperson matters

Related guidelines:

HEIs and non-HEI research institutions appoint at least one independent ombudsperson to whom their members and employees can turn with questions relating to good research practice and in cases of suspected misconduct. They take sufficient care to ensure that people are aware of who the ombudspersons at the institution are. For each ombudsperson there must be a designated substitute in case there is any concern about conflicts of interest or in case the ombudsperson is unable to carry out his or her duties.

Ombudspersons may not serve as members of a central governing body of their institutions while serving in this role. An ombudsperson has a set term of office. A further term of office is permissible. Researchers who are persons of integrity and who have management experience are eligible to be selected as ombudspersons. As neutral and qualified contact persons, they advise on issues relating to good research practice and in suspected cases of scientific misconduct and, where possible, contribute to solution-oriented conflict mediation. Ombudspersons maintain confidentiality in dealing with queries and, if necessary, notify the responsible body at their institution, normally an investigating committee, in the event of suspected cases of misconduct. HEIs and non-HEI research institutions give ombudspersons the support and acceptance they need to carry out their duties. Institutions may initiate additional measures to help facilitate the work of an ombudsperson. HEIs and non-HEI research institutions incorporate in their regulations a right of choice that enables members and employees to contact their institution’s ombudsperson or the Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity in Germany (OWID). OWID is an independent body that provides advice and support on issues relating to good research practice and allegations of inappropriate conduct.

Disclaimer: The selection of links provided here does not claim to be exhaustive. They are examples. The editors welcome suggestions for the inclusion of further examples.

Overview of ombudspersons

List of local ombudspersons at higher education institutions(externer Link)

Ombudspersons at the Fraunhofer Institutes(externer Link) (in German only)

Ombudspersons at the Helmholtz Centres(externer Link)

Ombudspersons at the member institutions of the Leibniz Association(externer Link)

Workshops for ombudspersons

Information on the workshop “Mediation and conflict management for ombudspersons”(externer Link)

Support for ombudspersons

Ombudspersons can contribute significantly to resolving or de-escalating conflicts in research. What are their responsibilities, who determines what these are and how can ombudspersons prepare for their important work? These questions are answered in the “Starter pack for ombudspersons(externer Link)” (in German only).

Handout for ombudspersons

The Network of Ombudspersons in Science and the Humanities has developed a handout(externer Link) for ombudspersons to support them in carrying out their tasks. The handout provides information on GRP-relevant documents and committees as well as on networking opportunities for ombudspersons. In addition, practical aspects of ombudsman work, e.g. counselling and mediation in GRP conflicts, are dealt with in detail. The handout is aimed at ombudspersons at Higher education institutions and non-HEI research institutions in Germany. The handout is available as a sample template and can be adapted to institution-specific regulations and instructions. The handout is available in German only.

The German Research Ombudsman

The German Research Ombudsman is available to all researchers – directly and independently of any connection with the DFG – for advice and support in matters of good research practice and its violation through scientific dishonesty. The German Research Ombudsman was established in 1999 by the DFG Senate as an independent body in accordance with Recommendation 16 of the white paper “Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice”.

German Research Ombudsman website(externer Link)

DFG – Explanations relating to the German Research Ombudsman(externer Link)

ENRIO Handbook on Whistleblower Protection in Research

The European Network of Research Integrity Officers (ENRIO)(externer Link) has published a handbook with recommendations on how to protect whistleblowers in research. The handbook is aimed at research institutions wishing to set up a whistleblowing system, at researchers considering reporting a suspicion of scientific misconduct, and at the interested public.

Information on how to proceed in cases of suspected research misconduct

Procedural Guide to Good Research Practice(externer Link) (in German only)