Allegations involving fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, or other serious deviation from accepted practices in conducting research fall under two Penn policies: Procedures Regarding Misconduct in Research & Procedures Regarding Misconduct in Research for Nonfaculty members of the Research Community.

Other forms of misconduct include questionable research practices that involve a departure from the research community’s norms but that do not affect the integrity of the research record. Examples include the selective use of data, biased study design, use of inappropriate statistical methods, improper assignment of authorship, and failure to disclose conflicts of interest. Some forms of misconduct, such as failure to adhere to requirements for the protection of human subjects or to ensure the welfare of laboratory animals, are governed by specific federal regulations and are subject to the oversight of established University committees.

Questions regarding the applicability of relevant University policies and procedures will be decided by the responsible administrative entity in consultation with the Vice Provost for Research.

For further information:

Overview of Research Misconduct – Penn Policies and Procedures

If you have questions regarding the applicability of Penn policies and procedures, please contact Diane Rosecrans Wender, JD, Research Integrity Officer.