Academic integrity
It is of vital importance for all academic researchers to be aware of the prevailing standards of conduct and regulations.
- National Committee for Scientific Integrity (LOWI)
- Leiden University Regulation on Scientific Integrity
Scientific Research: Dilemmas and Temptations
Increasing concern is being paid in many areas of society to the observance of standards of conduct and integrity issues. A characteristic of this growing concern is that many organisations are themselves starting to promote concern for proper conduct in a broad sense within their ranks, taking measures to increase awareness and possibly even imposing sanctions in instances where the required standards of conduct are not observed.
This tendency is apparent in both public and private organisations. A code of conduct for the legal profession has been in place for a number of years, including a complaints procedure and disciplinary measures. Such developments have only recently become apparent within the Public Prosecution Service and the Courts, but they have now been developed into codes of conduct.
It is then not surprising that there has in recent years been growing concern for such issues within universities. This concern has manifested itself in concrete terms in a number of notices, codes and regulations, which give a good overview of the standards of conduct which you as a (future) academic are required to observe, as well as of the regulations and procedures which may be applied if these standards of conduct are infringed.
It is extremely important for you as a academic researcher to be aware of the existence of these standards of conduct and that you also comply with such standards. Experience has shown that researchers are not sufficiently aware of their own vulnerability in this area. In many cases this awareness is only felt once a problem has occurred and damage has already been done.
- National Committee for Scientific Integrity (LOWI)
A National Committee for Scientific Integrity (LOWI) has been established which, on the basis of voluntary commitment by the institutions of research organisations, can play a role in disputes relating to the academic integrity of researchers and research organisations. The procedures are managed by the universities, where a confidential adviser or confidential committee are appointed to deal with suspected infringements of integrity.
- Leiden University Regulation on Scientific Integrity
A Leiden University Regulation on Scientific Integrity has been established within Leiden University, based on these agreements, whereby a Committee on Scientific Integrity will be appointed and a complaints procedure will be drawn up.
