(1) The main reasons that led to the discontinuance of the inquiry or the decision of the Joint Committee shall be communicated to the respondent and the complainant. If sanctions are imposed, notification may be issued to the management of the institutions where the respondent is employed or where they were employed at the time the misconduct occurred. 3The same applies to other persons or organisations that have a legitimate interest in being informed of the decision.

(2) The decision of the Joint Committee marks the end of the DFG procedure in cases of suspected scientific misconduct. 

(3) If the Joint Committee imposes one or more sanctions, the decision shall be published. The identity of the respondent may only be disclosed if, in view of the circumstances of the individual case, public interest in this information outweighs the need to protect the identity of the respondent.