(1) The Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct (VerfOwF) are applicable if the suspicion of scientific misconduct relates to the statutory mandate of the DFG. This is the case if the person suspected of scientific misconduct (the respondent) falls under (2) and the alleged misconduct concerns them in their role in connection with the DFG’s funding activities. 

(2) These Rules of Procedure apply if the respondent is one of the following with regard to the allegation: 

1. A grant applicant to the DFG,
2. A grant recipient funded by the DFG,
3. Individuals with a high level of scientific responsibility in connection with funding proposals submitted by higher education institutions or non-university research institutions
4. individuals reviewing a proposal for the DFG or
5. A member of a DFG committee or a committee supported by the DFG in administering funding instruments who participates in advisory, review, evaluation or decision-making procedures. 

(3) If an individual pursuant to (2) nos. 1-3 commits scientific misconduct pursuant to § 2 (1) in a publication, this is also DFG-related if the publication is named as a piece of preliminary work in a DFG proposal in which the person is involved with a high level of scientific responsibility.