If the DFG Head Office becomes aware of a potential case of scientific misconduct that falls within the scope of the DFG’s statutory responsibilities, it examines the evidence based on the DFG Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Allegations of Scientific Misconduct (VerfOwF). The Rules of Procedure define the scope of application and what constitutes scientific misconduct as well as the procedures to be followed in cases of suspected misconduct and the measures that may be taken in response.

See here(interner Link) for the Rules of Procedure in PDF format, including previous versions.

The DFG also provides a legal commentary on the current version of the VerfOwF on its Research Integrity portal. The commentary explains the purpose, structure and constituent elements of each provision of the VerfOwF, including its procedural provisions. The commentary places the provisions in their legal context, identifies typical categories of cases and issues of distinction, and explains how the DFG’s experience of handling cases of scientific misconduct has fed into its understanding and application of the Rules of Procedure.

The commentary was prepared by the DFG Head Office. In particular, it reflects the practical experience gained from the work done by the DFG Committee of Inquiry on Allegations of Scientific Misconduct and the DFG Joint Committee. The commentary may also provide guidance beyond its immediate field of application, since many forms of scientific misconduct are addressed in similar terms in the regulations of research institutions, particularly in statutes implementing the DFG Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice”, as well as in the model statutes of the German Rectors’ Conference(externer Link) (German only). Institutional regulations may also contain procedural provisions that parallel those set out in the VerfOwF.

The commentary is intended as an interpretative aid. It does not of itself establish any independent rights or obligations and has no legally binding effect on individual proceedings. The authoritative basis remains the wording of the Rules of Procedure, the circumstances of the individual case and the decisions made by the competent DFG statutory bodies. This reflects the general function of legal commentaries in providing a systematic interpretation of a body of rules without being a substitute for the legal assessment required in a specific case.

The commentary is being developed progressively and will continue to evolve, with new contributions being added over time. Commentaries that have already been published may be updated, for example where the legal framework changes, new case law or academic legal scholarship relating to good research practice and research integrity emerges, or the legal and academic discourse surrounding particular forms of misconduct develops further.