What is misconduct in research?
Suspicion of misconduct in research is what is more colloquially referred to as suspicion of research fraud. Research misconduct is a serious deviation from the research ethics that all researchers and universities are required to comply with.
The Act on Responsibility for Good Research Practice and Examination of Research Misconduct (2019:504) defines the responsibility of researchers and research principals for ensuring that research is conducted according to good research practice. The act also contains provisions on the procedure for examining suspected research misconduct.
It defines research misconduct as: “a serious deviation from good research practice in the form of fabrication, falsification or plagiarism, whether intentional or through gross negligence, when planning, conducting or reporting research”.
Report suspicions to Umeå University
If you suspect a deviation from good research practice or misconduct in research, you can report this in writing to the registrar at registrator@umu.se.
Your complaint should state:
- your contact information;
- who the complaint refers to;
- why you suspect misconduct in research or deviation from good research practice; and
- other relevant supporting documents.
Submit a complaint to the Swedish National Board for Assessment of Research Misconduct
Cases related to misconduct in research can also be reported directly to the Swedish National Board for Assessment of Research Misconduct (NPOF). The Board investigates and decides on matters where there are suspicions of misconduct.
Report misconduct in research to NPOF (npof.se)
Support if a complaint has been submitted against you
If you are the subject of an investigation into research misconduct, support is available. On Aktum, you can find out the form an investigation takes and how to receive support (UMU ID required)
Procedures define the process
Umeå University has procedures to promote good research practice and for handling cases of suspected deviation from good research practice.
Read the procedures – Promoting good research practice
Finding more information
On Aktum, you can read more about what research misconduct and deviation from good research practice are and what an investigation entails (UMU ID required)
