Good Research Practice
Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice
The aim of the Code is to enable the intended audience – researchers as well as heads of universities and non-university research institutions – to align their internal structures, processes and actions with the guidelines for good research practice. The intention is to create a deeply rooted culture of research integrity at higher education institutions, focusing less on breaches of good research practice and more on the professional ethics of researchers.
Renewed Extension of the Transitional Period for the Implementation of the Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice”
In view of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the German research system, the transitional period for implementing the Code has now been extended by one year (until 31 July 2023). This was decided by the DFG General Assembly at the virtual proceedings at the beginning of April 2022.
As of 1 August 2019, all universities and non-university research institutions will be required to implement the 19 guidelines in a legally binding manner to be eligible to receive DFG funding. For those universities and non-university research institutions that have already implemented the relevant requirements set out in the DFG white paper “Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice” in a binding manner, there is a four-year transition period for implementing the guidelines contained in the Code. This period ends on 31 July 2023.
- Externer LinkFurther information on the implementation of the Code
- Externer LinkCode of Conduct: "Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice"
(citable PDF version in German and English - DOI)
Online portal “Research Integrity” now online
The “third level” of the Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice” went online in German on 10 December 2020 in the form of the portal “Research Integrity”. The English language version followed in July 2021.
- To the portal: Externer Linkhttps://wissenschaftliche-integritaet.de/en
In this online portal, users will find the now familiar 19 guidelines and explanations to go with them. New additions include commentaries relating to general matters and specific subject areas, case studies, a summary of frequently asked questions, references to legal frameworks and other standards, related DFG statements and references to external sources. Various search and access modes are available to users of the portal. An English version went online in July 2021.
The content of this dynamic online portal was developed in subject-specific workshops involving academics, representatives of higher education institutions and non-university institutions and the German Research Ombudsman. The DFG’s Head Office also contributed its expertise. In future, further contributions by Alliance member organisations and other actors within the academic community will be compiled, quality-assured and adapted on an ongoing basis to reflect changes in research practice.
White Paper "Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice"
The DFG recommendations for safeguarding good scientific practice, published in 1998, were used by the research community to initiate and formulate a system of self-regulation that found general consensus. A comprehensive system of self-regulation was set up at every registered research institution based on these recommendations.
An amendment and update to the recommendations was approved by the DFG's General Assembly on 3 July 2013
- Interner LinkFurther Information
- Link auf PDF-DateiRecommendations "Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice"
- Externer Linkhttp://doi.org/10.1002/9783527679188.oth1
Note:
The two documents mentioned above can be ordered from the DFG Press and Public Relations Office, Michael Hönscheid (0228 885-2109 or Link auf E-Mailpresse@dfg.de).
Contact the Research Integrity Team
Correspondence and questions relating to the question of good research practice and implementation of the Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice” should be sent to the following mailbox
If you suspect misconduct, please feel free to contact the Research Integrity Team by e-mailing the central mailbox:
To report suspected research misconduct, you can also use the