Comment on:

The following comment refers to this/these guideline(s)

Guideline 3

Organisational responsibility of heads of research institutions

The heads of HEIs and non-HEI research institutions create the basic framework for research. They are responsible for ensuring adherence to and the promotion of good practice, and for appropriate career support for all researchers. The heads of research institutions guarantee the necessary conditions to enable researchers to comply with legal and ethical standards. The basic framework includes clear written policies and procedures for staff selection and development as well as for early career support and equal opportunity.

Explanations:

The head of each HEI and non-HEI research institution is responsible for ensuring that an appropriate organisational structure is in place at the institution. He or she makes certain that the tasks of leadership, supervision, quality assurance and conflict management are clearly allocated in accordance with the size of individual research work units and suitably communicated to members and employees.

With regard to staff selection and development, due consideration is given to gender equality and diversity. The relevant processes are transparent and avoid implicit bias as much as possible. Suitable supervisory structures and policies are established for early career researchers. Honest career advice, training opportunities and mentoring are offered to researchers and research support staff.

FAQ on organisational responsibility of heads of research institutions

How can I embed and project the topic of “good research practice” (GRP) within my institution?

  • GRP should become a regular subject of dialogue in the institution.
  • Various institutional governing bodies should be involved, e.g. the faculty council and senate.
  • Awareness of GRP should be raised in the context of appointment negotiations, and GRP expertise should form part of every appointment agreement.
  • GRP should be one of the topics addressed at introductory days/events for new professors.
  • GRP should be an integral part of higher education; courses on GRP should be fully integrated in the curriculum and should be a prerequisite for enrolment on a master’s degree programme; concepts are to be developed for this purpose.
  • Training should also be provided for ombudspersons to enable them to develop their expertise and engage in exchanging their experiences. All in all, the institution should support positive promotion of the position of ombudsperson.

The comment belongs to the following categories:

GL3 (faq)

|