Introduction to Research Misconduct

Research misconduct is defined as (1) fabrication, falsification, plagiarism or other practices that seriously deviate from accepted practices within the scientific community for proposing, conducting, or reporting research or other scholarly activities; or (2) callous disregard for requirements that ensure the protection of researchers, human participants, or the public; or for ensuring the welfare of laboratory animals; or (3) failure to disclose significant financial and business interest as defined by Penn State Policy RA20, Individual Conflict of Interest; or (4) failure to comply with other applicable legal requirements governing research or other scholarly activities. It does not include disputes regarding routine, non-creative works of authorship, honest error, or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data, and is not intended to resolve bona fide scientific disagreement or debate.

As defined in Penn State Policy RA10 "Handling Inquiries/Investigations Into Questions of Ethics in Research and in Other Scholarly Activities", there are established procedures for addressing allegations and handling inquiries/investigations of research misconduct. The ORP provides administrative support and oversight of this process.