Scientific Integrity Scouts

Guideline 2 states the expectation that researchers at all career levels should regularly update their knowledge about the standards of good research practice. In doing so, they are encouraged to support each other in a process of continuous mutual learning and ongoing training. Regular peer dialogue enables concrete subject-specific or organisational questions to be addressed in a low-threshold way and in a manner that relates directly to researchers’ own working environment.

An example of how such dialogue can be facilitated has been established at Research Center Borstel – Leibniz Lung Center. Here, doctoral researchers, postdocs and technical staff volunteer to serve as Scientific Integrity Scouts in their respective groups, providing subject-specific guidance on GRP-related topics in the research process over a set period of time. The role can be taken by agreement without a formal appointment process and may vary in duration. This process of scientific self-organisation involves Scientific Integrity Scouts carrying out the role alongside their regular research duties. At regular seminars known as Scout Meetings, subject-specific guidance is provided, dialogue on GRP issues is fostered, and methods are taught that Scouts can use within their own research groups and try out among themselves. In this way, they develop key skills which serve their own career advancement.

The opportunities for dialogue initiated by Scientific Integrity Scouts are intended as a supplement to training courses, lectures and seminars on good research practice. In particular, they help embed GRP in the day-to-day research environment while at the same time taking aspects into account that are specific to the institution or subject area. Safeguarding research integrity requires more than just knowledge of the rules: it also requires clear ideas about how to implement them, an open and trusting atmosphere, basic communication and interaction skills, and a constructive culture of learning from error. This is precisely the function of the Scientific Integrity Scouts and the dialogue format through which they operate. They provide forums and impulses, creating space to engage with the rules and boundaries of good research practice. Within individual working groups, Scientific Integrity Scouts serve as a point of contact for questions relating to GRP. They raise GRP-related topics within their teams, stay informed about developments in the field of research integrity and feed these developments into group discussions, thereby contributing to the improvement of research practices. Scientific Integrity Scouts introduce new members of the working group to GRP rules, explain how these are applied within the group and the institution and ensure familiarity with the so-called Borstel Model of Good Scientific Practice. They present updates on new developments at team meetings and work with team members at group retreats to address specific aspects such as error culture, communication, transparency and verifiability of the research process, as well as implementing structures and procedures that support good research practice. As Scientific Integrity Scouts, they take responsibility for providing a forum to discuss GRP issues and gain practical skills to help establish a positive error culture in line with the core message of the DFG Code of Conduct. The multiplier effect of the Scouts extends their impact beyond their immediate group (reverse teaching).