Allegations of misconduct in research are rare but the University takes them very seriously. The University is committed to ensuring that allegations of misconduct in research are investigated with all possible thoroughness and vigour.

Procedure for the Investigation of an Allegation of Research Misconduct

On 23 February 2024, the University approved a new Procedure for the Investigation of an Allegation of Research Misconduct, which applies where there is an allegation of Research Misconduct (as defined in section 3 of the Procedure) against any person undertaking research either as a member of or whilst connected to a University institution or using University facilities or funding.

This Procedure replaces the University's Misconduct in Research Policy for all allegations received after 23 February 2024. Allegations received before that date will continue to be investigated according to the previous misconduct in research policy.

Statements

The University 'Statement on Dealing with Allegations of Research Misconduct Under United States Public Health Service Research-Related Activities for Foreign Institutions' applies to allegations made regarding work funded by the United States Public Health Service.

Read the Statement on Dealing with Allegations of Research Misconduct Under United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Research-related Activities for Foreign Institutions.

The University of Cambridge has incorporated into its policies and procedures the following approach for dealing with and reporting possible research misconduct when USPHS funds are involved.

  1. The University of Cambridge will designate an official to receive allegations and develop procedures for use by research employees or others who wish to make an allegation of research misconduct involving USPHS funds. This designated official, or their nominee, will notify the U.S. Office of Research Integrity (ORI) when an allegation of research misconduct involving USPHS funds is received. Phone: (240) 453-8800. Fax: (301) 594-0043. Email: askORI@osophs.dhhs.gov.
  2. The University of Cambridge will then work with ORI or other appropriate offices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and implement a process for responding to the research misconduct allegation that is consistent with U.S. Federal regulation, 42 CFR Parts 50 and 93.
  3. The University of Cambridge will submit appropriate reports (in English) to ORI that describe the process followed in conducting the investigation, the evidence on which the conclusions of the investigation are based, and if a finding of research misconduct is made, the administrative actions that are taken against the respondent.
  4. The University of Cambridge will inform research employees about the official who is designated to receive allegations and the procedures for the employee or other individuals to make an allegation of research misconduct involving USPHS supported research. This information will also be posted on the organization’s web site.
  5. The University of Cambridge certifies that this statement will be a permanent amendment to the institution’s procedures for responding to allegations of research misconduct.
  6. The University of Cambridge will submit the “Annual Report on Possible Research Misconduct” to ORI by March 1 of each year. The report is submitted electronically through the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) website.

The University’s designated official under this statement is:

The Academic Secretary
Telephone: (3)32260
Email academic.secretary@admin.cam.ac.uk

Russell Group Statement of Cooperation in respect of cross-institutional research misconduct allegations - sets out principles for the management of the review of allegations of research misconduct that involve more than one institution.

University contact points

Anyone with comments or questions regarding research integrity at the University of Cambridge can contact the the University's Research Governance and Integrity Officer, Dr Rhys Morgan (Head of Policy, Integrity and Governance), and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, Professor Sir John Aston, using the following email address researchintegrity@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Concerns regarding research integrity at Cambridge can be made or raised confidentially with Dr Rhys Morgan, Head of Policy, Integrity and Governance and the University's Research Governance and Integrity Officer (researchintegrity@admin.cam.ac.uk or rhys.morgan@admin.cam.ac.uk) or, where applicable, through the University's Whistleblowing Policy.

Information and resources

UKRIO provides the following resources for individuals considering reporting an allegation of research misconduct to institutions, publishers, and elsewhere:

Related links