The responsible bodies at HEIs and non-HEI research institutions (normally ombudspersons and investigating committees) examining allegations of misconduct take appropriate measures to protect both the complainant and the respondent. The investigation of allegations of research misconduct must be carried out in strict confidentiality and adhere to the presumption of innocence. The information disclosed by the complainant must be provided in good faith. Knowingly false or malicious allegations may themselves constitute misconduct. The disclosure should not disadvantage the research or professional career prospects of either the complainant or the respondent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Particularly in the case of early career researchers, the disclosure should not lead to delays in the complainant\u2019s own qualification phase and no disadvantage should arise to the writing of final dissertations or doctoral theses; the same applies to working conditions and possible contract extensions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The investigating body will respect the presumption of innocence vis-\u00e0-vis the respondent at each stage of the process when considering each case. The respondent should not experience any disadvantage resulting from the investigation of the allegation until such time as research misconduct has been formally established. The complainant must have objective reasons for suspecting that an infringement of the standards of good research practice may have occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the complainant is unable to verify the facts personally, or if there is uncertainty with regard to the interpretation of the guidelines on good re- search practice in relation to an observed set of circumstances, the complainant should consult the local ombudsperson or the Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity in Germany (OWID) to clarify the suspicion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n