Misconduct in research

Duke University policies and procedures governing misconduct in research establish how allegations or evidence of possible research misconduct will be addressed. 

Research misconduct is defined in accordance with federal policy as:

• Fabrication: The making up of data or results and the recording or reporting them;
• Falsification: The manipulation of research materials, equipment or processes, or the change or omission of data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record;
• Plagiarism: The appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results or words without giving appropriate credit.

Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.

Reporting Concerns or Allegations of Research Misconduct

Any individual with concerns about possible research misconduct should report the matter to the misconduct review officer (MRO), Duke Office of Scientific Integrity (DOSI), the department chair or division chief, the dean, or other appropriate institutional official. Concerns brought to individuals other than the MRO will be promptly forwarded to the MRO.

Contact Information for MRO and DOSI:

Donna Kessler, Ph.D.
Research Integrity Officer, Misconduct Review Officer
Duke Office of Scientific Integrity
(919) 668-5115
donna.kessler@duke.edu

Kindra King, Ph.D.
Investigator, 
Duke Office of Scientific Integrity
(919) 681-1708
kindra.king@duke.edu 

If an individual is unsure whether their concerns fall within the definition of research misconduct, they may meet with or contact the MRO to discuss the suspected misconduct informally or to discuss options and available resources. Individuals may also contact the Duke Office of Ombuds to discuss their concerns confidentially and seek guidance.

If concerns reported to the MRO do not meet the definition of research misconduct, the MRO will refer the individual or allegation to other offices or officials with responsibility for resolving the problem.

Concerns about research misconduct may also be reported anonymously through the Integrity Line: 1-800-826-8109. The Integrity Line is a telephone hotline open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Individuals can call the hotline to report a concern without giving a name. Calls will not be traced. If an individual wants to leave his or her name to help answer questions about the situation, the information will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law and / or institutional policies.

The Duke Values page also has information about how to report a concern online, which can be done anonymously.