USDA Forest Service Research & Development 

Code of Scientific Ethics 

July 20, 2000
Contents 

Preamble to Code of Scientific Ethics...................................................... 1 

Forest Service Research & Development Code of Scientific Ethics.................... 3 

Supporting Materials for the Code of Scientific Ethics................................... 9 

Handling Allegations of Scientific Misconduct............................................ 11 

Equivalency Table.............................................................................. 12 

Research Integrity Panel Policy on Research Misconduct............................... 13
Page 1

Preamble 

to 

Code of Scientific Ethics

The Code

This code has been developed by a committee of scientists in USDA Forest Service Research & 

Development (FS R&D) after feedback from colleagues and extensive research on science 

ethics. The code is based on the Code of Scientific Ethics of the USDA Agricultural Research 

Service1

, but has been modified for application to the FS R&D organization by a team of Forest 

Service employees.2

 The Code is a tool for self-regulation. 

In late 1998, responding to a request from the Forest Products Laboratory Partnership Council, 

senior executives of FS R&D asked a team of agency employees to gather existing official 

statements and documents concerning the ethical conduct of scientific research and development 

within the Forest Service. The objective was to raise the level of awareness within FS R&D 

about scientific ethics and to help diminish the likelihood that future breaches of scientific ethics 

would occur. A corollary was to help educate collaborators and clients about ethics expectations, 

so they too could avoid potential problems. 

The purpose of this Code is to describe ethical conduct in scientific research and development 

activities. The Code applies specifically to the conduct of scientific investigation and reporting. 

It does not replace any law or regulation pertaining to employee ethics and conduct issues that 

are not unique to the conduct of scientific research and development. Administrative rules and 

laws pertaining to such things as falsification of government documents, sexual harassment, civil 

rights, gifts, nepotism, disclosure of financial interest, conflict of interest, or outside employment 

are neither altered nor diminished in importance by the existence of this Code. 

The Code should help encourage ethical conduct in science as a fundamental theme in FS R&D 

activities. The intent of the Code is to foster a genuine commitment to fairness, accuracy, and 

integrity in the conduct of scientific research and development by establishing a clear 

understanding of expectations regarding scientific ethics. All individuals should feel that they are 

adequately protected from potential exploitation via unethical practices. 

Where Does the Code Apply? 

The code applies to researchers, developers, support staff, and research and development 

administrators within FS R&D, and to individuals who participate as scientists in the agency’s 

mission, including scientists outside the agency when they conduct work funded by the Forest 

Service. 

 

1

 See the ARS website, http://www.ars.usda.gov/afm/hrd/hrdhomepage/ethics/ethicscode.htm 2

 Marcia Patton-Mallory (RMRS, Committee Chair), Charles Carll (NFFE), Richard Cline (WO), Mark

Dietenberger (FPL), Sue Ferguson (PNW), Kay Franzeb (SRS), Rolfe Leary (NC, retired), Sandy Liebhold (NE), 

Marion Page (PSW), Peggy St. Peter and Karen Wagley (WO-HR), and Joseph Wunderle (IITF). 
11/07/2002 

Page 2 

FOREST SERVICE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

CODE OF SCIENTIFIC ETHICS

• I dedicate myself to the pursuit, promotion, and advancement of scientific knowledge. 

• I will conduct, manage, judge, and report scientific research honestly, thoroughly, and 

without conflict of interest. 

• I will prevent abuse of all resources entrusted to me and endeavor to treat human and animal 

subjects humanely, following established guidelines where they are available. 

• I will not willfully hinder the research of others nor engage in dishonesty, fraud, deceit, 

misrepresentation, or other professional misconduct. 

• I will welcome constructive criticism of my personal scientific research and offer the same to 

my colleagues in a manner that fosters mutual respect amid objective scientific debate. 

• I will recognize past and present contributors to my research and will neither accept nor 

assume unauthorized and/or unwarranted credit for another's accomplishments. 

• I will claim authorship for a research product only if I am willing to be held responsible for 

both the interpretation of the data and the conclusions as presented. 

• I will claim authorship for a research product only if I have made a major intellectual 

contribution (as part of conception, design, data collection, data analysis, or interpretation) 

and made significant contributions to its preparation (write, review, or edit). 

• I will not publish or use original ideas, research data, or unpublished findings of others 

without written approval. 

• I will refrain from duplicative publication of the same research findings as original. 

• I will show appropriate diligence toward preserving and maintaining resources, such as data 

records, that are entrusted to me.
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Page 3 

Commentary to Forest Service Research & Development 

Code of Scientific Ethics

This commentary explains and clarifies the intent of each element in the Code of Scientific 

Ethics. 

• I dedicate myself to the pursuit, promotion, and advancement of scientific 

knowledge. 

All civil servants are expected to be fair and honest. Scientists, however, may face ethical 

challenges that are unique to the conduct and reporting of scientific research. The goal of 

science is knowledge, and the method of gaining new knowledge is through scientific research 

and development. 

• I will conduct, manage, judge, and report scientific research honestly, 

thoroughly, and without conflict of interest. 

Scientific honesty and integrity of Forest Service researchers and developers is in the public 

interest and must be placed ahead of personal gain or allegiance to individuals or organizations. 

Scientists are obligated to be thorough in documenting their work to ensure that the details of 

their methods are described adequately such that other scientists can reproduce their research 

results. 

This Code element does NOT suggest that using novel investigative approaches, using unusual 

analysis methods, exclusion of data points that are known to be faulty for identifiable material 

reasons, or novel interpretation of data constitute unethical behavior. Any data modifications 

should be fully documented in the research record. When done honestly and diligently, use of 

unorthodox approaches, analysis methods, and interpretations can result in significant scientific 

progress. It is a breach of scientific ethics, however, if these practices are used to support a 

desired conclusion. It is particularly unethical if the representation is made that the novel or 

unusual practices are in fact standard or the only correct way to have conducted the study, 

performed analyses, or interpreted the data. 

Conflict of interest3

 can be defined as a situation in which an individual’s personal interest 

interferes with the objectivity of his/her actions or judgments. Some instances of conflict of 

interest occur when personal financial interests affect an individual’s action, but these situations 

are uncommon among Forest Service scientists (also Office of Governmental Ethics rules for 

financial disclosure generally prohibit scientists from participation in studies or programs where 

they have a financial conflict of interest). More common instances of conflict of interest in 

Forest Service R&D activities occur when actions or judgments are affected by opportunities for 

 

3

Resnick, D.B. 1998. Conflict of interest in science. Perspectives on Science 6(4):381-408 
11/07/2002 

Page 4 

career advancement, professional prestige, and personal allegiances or animosities. 

Scientists are expected to interact with other Forest Service scientists, university researchers, 

commercial enterprises, trade associations, and public interest groups. A scientist’s 

interpretation of research results, recommendations to others, and review of other scientists’ 

works or proposals has the potential to be influenced by these individuals or entities. 

Furthermore, a scientist’s personal prestige may depend on the perceived importance of his/her 

field of investigation and on the scientific community’s acceptance of certain theories, 

paradigms, or data sets from within that field (sometimes those of the individual scientist or 

those of the scientist’s colleagues). Even when the scientist believes he/she is acting objectively, 

circumstances may exist where others may percieve there is a conflict of interest. In these cases 

scientists are advised that they should document these relationships and make an honest effort to 

act in an objective fashion. 

The agency policy regarding financial conflict of interest as a federal employee (5 CFR 2635, 

Standards of Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch) is outside of the scope of this 

code. 

 

• I will prevent abuse of all resources entrusted to me, and endeavor to treat 

human and animal subjects humanely, following established guidelines 

where they are available. 

Forest Service personnel are expected to prevent abuse of resources used in the conduct of 

scientific research. A guideline for determining abuse is whether damage to the public interest 

(by damage to the resource) outweighs the public benefit in terms of useful knowledge gained. 

Animals used for research purposes are public resources. Furthermore, an historical precedent 

exists in the United States that cruel treatment of human beings or animals is considered to be 

damaging to the public interest, (even though public consensus on what constitutes cruel 

treatment does not always occur). Forest Service employees are expected to obey any public 

laws concerning humane treatment of research animals. While the primary existing law and 

federal regulation (P.L. 99-198 and 9 C.F.R. 3) apply to treatment of laboratory animals, most 

Forest Service research involves animals in the wild. The committee recognizes that few if any 

statutory regulations or guidelines exist concerning humane treatment of animals in the wild. 

Development of guidelines that apply specifically to wild animals is beyond the scope of this 

code. Researchers must be aware of and abide by any consensus guidelines promulgated by 

professional societies for humane treatment of wild animals involved in research studies. 

• I will not willfully hinder the research of others nor engage in dishonesty, 

fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or other professional misconduct. 

The research of other scientists may be hindered by actions such as biased review of research 

proposals or manuscripts submitted for publication, physical disruption of another scientist’s 

experiments, denial of access to resources or data needed by other scientists to perform their 
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Page 5 

work, or failure to provide information that other scientists need to duplicate research or verify 

its accuracy. (Also see discussion under the second Code element on conflict of interest.) 

Scientific staff are expected to allow others access to research resources that have been entrusted 

to them, unless doing so would compromise the scientific validity of their research or 

substantially interfere with its performance. Reasonable judgments that specific actions would 

compromise the validity of research or interfere with its performance depend on individual 

circumstances. Therefore, this Code does not attempt to provide specific guidelines for making 

such determination. However, denying other researchers access to research resources or data 

from published studies primarily for the purpose of enhancing one’s own position of importance 

is unethical. 

• I will welcome constructive criticism of my personal scientific research and 

offer the same to my colleagues in a manner that fosters mutual respect amid 

objective scientific debate. 

Scientific research is a contest of ideas and the newest concepts that are not part of a current 

paradigm can result in serious conflict. Open and honest debate is essential for the advancement 

of science. 

The peer-review process is an important step in the conduct of scientific research and should be 

free of personal and professional jealousies, competitions, and disagreements, and conflicts of

interest (see detailed discussion under other code items). Reviewer comments on publications in 

progress should be focused on their logical and scientific validity, rather than the personal 

feelings of the reviewer or past or current interactions between the reviewer and the author.

All authors should try to avoid putting reviewers in a position where personal or professional 

relationships might influence the reviewer's ability to provide an honest review. Use of a singleor double-blind peer review process may help in these situations. 

It is sometimes necessary that certain scientific reviews are conducted anonymously and the 

identity of the reviewers be kept confidential. In order for other reviewers to express their views 

honestly and without fear of repercussion or retaliation, each participant in the review process 

should respect the confidential nature of the review process and not identify themselves or other 

reviewers. 

• I will recognize past and present contributors to my research and will 

neither accept nor assume unauthorized and/or unwarranted credit for 

another's accomplishments. 

Scientific knowledge is cumulative and is built on the contributions of many scientists over many 

years. Recognition often takes the form of credits in a publication through an acknowledgement, 

citation, or co-authorship. It is unethical to omit citations of a scientist’s work because of 

personal disagreements when their ideas have influenced a manuscript. 
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Page 6 

• I will claim authorship for a research product only if I am willing to be held 

responsible for both the interpretation of the data and the conclusions as 

presented. 

This Code element concerns what is often termed “responsible authorship.'' It is intended to 

discourage claims by an individual of rights to authorship and associated benefits without a 

willingness to accept professional responsibility tied to authorship. It is also intended to assure 

that individuals who have made a substantial intellectual contribution to a study are appropriately 

recognized. 

Manuscripts with multiple authors reflect the creative inputs of all the authors. With complex 

studies, individual authors may not be able to ascertain the accuracy of every detail of the work 

conducted by their co-authors. In these situations, individual authors are not expected to be 

responsible for every technical detail of the work performed by co-authors but should be able to 

fully explain and defend the manuscript’s major conclusions. Co-authors are jointly responsible 

for all statements made in manuscripts. 

• I will claim authorship for a research product only if I have made a major 

intellectual contribution (as part of conception, design, data collection, data 

analysis, or interpretation) and made significant contributions to its 

preparation (write, review, or edit). 

This Code element addresses the topic of “honorary authorship.'' Individuals within the Forest 

Service organization have sometimes demanded or claimed authorship on research manuscripts 

to which they made no intellectual contribution. This practice is not acceptable. 

“Honorary authorship'' instigated by a junior scientist who adds the name of an established 

scientist to a manuscript prepared by the junior scientist to help ease the manuscript through the 

peer review process is also unacceptable. Scientists should not add the name of any person to a 

manuscript byline unless the person made an intellectual contribution to the manuscript. 

Scientists may serve important roles as facilitators of research and development studies by 

providing administrative support, by attracting and directing financial support, or by virtue of 

their reputation or position facilitating cooperative relationships with other research institutions. 

None of these roles constitutes an intellectual contribution to the published research worthy of 

claiming authorship. Claiming authorship on manuscripts to which an individual provided no 

intellectual contribution is dishonest and therefore unacceptable. However, recognition for these 

important roles in facilitating research and development should be included in the individual’s 

position description. For positions under the Research Grade Evaluation Guide, include the 

information under Factor I—The Research Assignment or Factor IV.B.—Professional Activities 

and Recognition or Factor IV.C.—Scientific Accomplishments and Contributions, or Factor 

IV.E.—Other Significant Information, as appropriate. For positions under Part III – 

Experimental Development of the Equipment Development Grade Evaluation Guide, include the 
11/07/2002 

Page 7 

information under Factor 1—Nature of the Assignment or Factor IV – Qualifications and 

Contributions, as appropriate. 

Intellectual contributions in data collection means not merely collecting data following a 

standard, recognized protocol, but entails developing the process by which data are collected or 

validated. 

• I will not publish or use original ideas, research data, or unpublished 

findings of others without written approval. 

This Code element addresses plagiarism and theft of ideas, data, or unpublished findings. It 

seeks to protect the intellectual efforts of scientists. Permanent damage to the scientific record 

can occur once the stolen intellectual property is published. It may be impossible to correct the 

record to properly identify the true source of the information once published. 

The scientist who prepares a draft manuscript or submits a research proposal retains the 

exclusive intellectual property right to the ideas described in the manuscript or proposal. 

Scientists who act as reviewers of the manuscript or research proposal may not use those ideas in 

their own research or development activities until the manuscript is published or until the author 

of the proposal gives permission. The only certain way to obtain official permission is in 

writing. If permission is granted, there may be stipulations on how the ideas or information may 

be used. Those stipulations must be followed and appropriate credit given. 

Supervisors have sometimes presented in papers or at meetings intermediate data or results of 

work by scientists they supervise. This should only be done with the subordinate scientist’s 

permission and knowledge and with full credit given. 

Special situations are created by the untimely death, permanent disability, or changes of

employment (e.g., to a non-research position) of a researcher or developer with work in progress. 

In most cases, it is ethical for supervisors or colleagues to assure that the unpublished ideas, data, 

and/or findings are made available to the public. The scientist originating the ideas, data, and/or 

findings should be clearly identified through co-authorship. Senior authorship by a deceased or 

disabled scientist may be appropriate, and determined in the same way as for active scientists. 

Speeches and papers that are not scientific papers or presentations are outside the scope of this 

Code of Scientific Ethics. For example, researchers or developers may occasionally write 

speeches for agency officials on programmatic or policy issues, functioning as anonymous 

authors. 

• I will refrain from duplicative publication of the same research findings as 

original. 

This item addresses the practice of repetitive publication of the same research or identical 

manuscripts in different outlets for the primary purpose of increasing the number of publications 

a scientist can list in Factor IV.D.—Disseminating Research Results, of their Position 
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Page 8 

Description. This does not suggest that it is inappropriate to publish more than one manuscript 

based on a single piece of research. In some cases, the same research may be of interest to 

separate audiences having different technical specialties or to journals having different 

readerships. In order to make the information readily available to these different audiences, 

publication of the same research study in different venues with different styles, emphasis, scope, 

and/or tailored to their specific interests, is appropriate and ethical. Also, during the execution of 

a study, data of different types may be collected, and publication of all the data or analyses in a 

single article may not be feasible if manuscript length limitations are to be met. It is therefore 

NOT the intent that any scientist be accused of misconduct merely because he/she published 

more than one manuscript based on the same research study. However, earlier publications 

should be referenced in subsequent publications wherever possible. What is intended by this 

Code element is discouraging the publication of substantially the same manuscript in multiple 

outlets. 

• I will show appropriate diligence toward preserving and maintaining 

resources, such as data records, that are entrusted to me. 

 

Scientists have the responsibility of presenting and maintaining information such that other 

scientists can reproduce their work and/or evaluate its validity. This does not suggest that 

scientists must provide every detail of their methodology in manuscripts or presentations; 

editorial constraints often prohibit this. Nevertheless, scientists should accurately, if briefly, 

describe methodology in manuscripts and be prepared to provide details on request. Likewise, 

scientists should maintain raw data for reasonable periods after publication.4

 Doing so will 

permit other scientists to evaluate its validity. What constitutes a reasonable period for 

maintenance of raw data varies with the scientific discipline, but five years after publication is a 

minimum. See FSH 6209.11 – Records Management Handbook for retention periods. 

Scientific staff should not modify, dismantle, or discard research materials, plots, or apparatuses 

of other researchers with few exceptions: permission was granted by the other researchers; the 

resources were abandoned; or the items pose an imminent safety hazard. Data gathered by others 

should also be treated with respect; it must not be discarded unless it is objectively judged as 

having no scientific validity. Determination of scientific validity should not be made without 

consulting with the individuals responsible for generating it. 

Determination that another scientist has abandoned research resources or data must not be 

casually assumed. Inquiry concerning whether research resources have been abandoned is a 

necessary professional courtesy. 

 

4

 Other Forest Service Manual and Handbook Direction on preservation of study documentation (e.g., the study

file) exists and should be followed. Examples of documents that should be retained in the study file include the 

study plan, laboratory notebooks, original data, metadata, and quality assurance/quality control information. These 

items may be on both paper and electronic media. The study file is the permanent possession of the unit to which 

the researcher or developer is assigned. When an employee departs to take another job or through retirement,

arrangements may be made by the former supervisor for the employee to take with her/him duplicates of some/all 

of the information contained in a study file. Original documents must always remain with the Forest Service. 
11/07/2002 

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Supporting Materials for the Code of Scientific Ethics 

The following supporting materials are provided: (1) a set of definitions; (2) a process flow 

chart; (3) an equivalency table; and (4) a copy of the proposed “Federal Policy on Research 

Misconduct to Protect the Integrity of the Research Record.” 

The process flowchart illustrates how the existing process for handling allegations of

administrative misconduct shall be used to handle allegations of scientific misconduct. Although 

scientific misconduct is a special sub-category of administrative misconduct, the process for 

responding to allegations of scientific misconduct is the same as the process for administrative 

misconduct, with two exceptions. First, a senior scientist is appointed early in the process to 

serve as a consultant to the employee relations specialist and as an assistant to the certified 

investigator. The role of the senior scientist is to answer questions about the general nature of 

the scientific method and the ways in which research and development activities in the Forest 

Service are conducted. Second, if the process reaches the analysis phase, an Ethics Panel is 

appointed to review findings and make recommendations. More details on the Ethics Panel and 

the senior scientist are contained in the definitions, below. The equivalency table provides a 

crosswalk from actions considered to be scientific ethic misconduct to the more general items of 

administrative misconduct. The numbers in parentheses in the table refer to penalty citations 

pertinent to each type of action. The proposed “Federal Policy on Research Misconduct to 

Protect the Integrity of the Research Record” is included here for information only. It was 

published in the Federal Register (64 FR 198, pp 55722-55725) on October 14, 1999. The Code 

of Scientific Ethics is consistent philosophically with the proposed policy. After the final 

Federal policy is issued, the Forest Service Code will be reviewed and modified, if necessary, to 

assure conformance with the final policy. 

Definitions 

Scientific Misconduct. Scientific misconduct includes both research misconduct and 

professional misconduct. It does not include instances of honest error, honest differences of 

opinion, differences in interpretation of scientific data, or disagreements involving experimental 

design. 

Research Misconduct.

 5 Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or 

plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. 

Fabrication: Fabrication is making up results and recording or reporting them. 

Falsification: Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or 

changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in 

the research record. 

 

5

 This definition is consistent with the definition contained in the proposed Federal Policy on Research Misconduct

to Protect the Integrity of the Research Record. If the definition in that document is revised when the final policy 

document is issued, the definition here will likewise be revised to retain consistency. 
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Page 10 

Plagiarism: Plagiarism means the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, 

results, or words without giving appropriate credit, including those obtained through 

confidential review of others’ research proposals and manuscripts. 

 

Professional Misconduct. Professional misconduct includes but is not limited to 

exploitation of research associates, conferring or denying authorship inappropriately, 

duplicative publication, misstating one’s research credentials, failing to retain significant 

data for a reasonable period, unauthorized use of data, or failing to publish significant data 

in a timely manner without reasonable cause. 

Duplicative Publication: Duplicate publication of findings as original in more than one 

publication outlet. Earlier publication of data should always be referenced in later 

publications. Dual publications should be mutually agreed to by both outlets (e.g., 

proceedings and journals). 

Ethics Panel: An Ethics Panel participates in the process for handling allegations of scientific 

misconduct (See the flowchart on page 11). It consists of a Panel Chair, three scientists, one 

professional support employee, and an individual from Human Resources familiar with 

administrative investigations. The Ethics Panel Chair will be an individual that is not in the line 

of authority over the individual being investigated, usually an Assistant Station Director or 

person holding an equivalent position. The Station Director whose employee or collaborator is 

accused of scientific misconduct appoints the Ethics Panel after the inquiry and/or investigation 

determines that there is some substance to the allegation, or if management has reasonable 

suspicion that a specific act of misconduct has occurred. To assure the independence of the 

process, at least half the panel members should be selected from outside the research station 

responding to the inquiry. 

Senior Scientist: An individual who has at least 10 years of experience as a researcher with the 

USDA Forest Service and who will become a member of the Ethics Panel is one is appointed. 
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Page 11 

Allegation of Misconduct

Administrative 

Misconduct

(5CFR752 

Analyses

Administrative Action Process

Process for Handling Allegations of Scientific Misconduct

Employee Relations Specialist

Determines which path is appropriate, given

the apparent seriousness of the allegation 

and after consultation with a senior scientist.

Inquiry

Fact finding/formal investigation by a 

certified investigator, assisted by a 

senior scientist

. 

Proposal and/or decision (Station

Director or appropriate line officer)

per Forest Service Delegation of 

Authorities, Federal Regulations, and

Labor- Management provisions.

Criminal Route

(LEI to OIG)

Investigation

Ethics Panel is appointed and reviews 

Findings and makes recommendations 

regarding penalty, resolution,

and/or corrective action

Use the process for handling allegations of administrative misconduct to handle allegations of scientific misconduct, with modifications as shown below. I,f at any point in the process, there is

a determination of "no misconduct," the case immediately goes tothe Station Director or appropriate 

line officer for a decision to take no further action on the alegat l ion.

Scientific

Misconduct

Other 

Misconduct

Application of USDA 

Penalty Guide and 

other ethics/conduct 

regulations and 

references

Follow normal 

administrative 

processes for 

investigation and 

discipline, per 

FS/USDA/OPM 

regulations and union 

contracts, as 

applicable

Determine nature of information needed, 

in consultation with a senior scientist 
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Page 12 
11/07/2002 

Page 13 

Equivalency Table 

USDA Discipline Guide and Scientific Ethics Code 

(USDA DPM–751, Appendix A) 

Scientific Ethics 

Misconduct 

Administrative Misconduct Penalty

for First 

Offense 

Penalty for 

Subsequent 

Offense 

Inappropriate 

authorship 

→ False statement, misrepresentation of 

material facts or documents in 

connection with official matter. 

Unauthorized use, removal, or 

possession of a thing of value 

belonging to another employee or 

private citizen. 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

Removal 

Removal 

Falsification of 

data 

→ False statement, knowingly and 

willfully making an incorrect entry on 

an official document, or approving an 

incorrect official document. 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

14-day 

suspension 

to removal 

Conflict of 

interest in 

review/comment 

on manuscripts or 

proposals 

→ Unethical or improper use of official 

authority or credentials. 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

Removal 

Misrepresentation 

of credentials 

and/or 

accomplishments 

→ False statement, misrepresentation, 

falsification, or concealment of 

material facts or documents in 

connection with an official matter, 

including an investigation. 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

Removal 

Unwarranted 

credits for 

another’s 

accomplishments 

→ Unauthorized use, removal or 

possession of a thing of value 

belonging to another employee or 

private citizen. 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

Removal 

Use of another’s 

ideas without 

approval 

→ Unauthorized use, removal, or 

possession of a thing of value 

belonging to another employee or 

private citizen. 

Letter of 

reprimand 

to removal 

Removal 
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Page 14 
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Page 15 

 Addendum for Information Only

Federal Policy on Research Misconduct 

To Protect the Integrity of the Research Record

AGENCY: Office of Science and Technology Policy 

ACTION: Request for public comment on proposed Federal policy on research misconduct. 

SUMMARY: The Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) proposes a governmentwide Federal policy for research misconduct for adoption and implementation by agencies that 

conduct and support research. The proposed policy addresses behavior that has the potential to 

affect the integrity of the research record and establishes procedural safeguards for handling 

allegations of research misconduct. It has been cleared by the National Science and Technology 

Council (NSTC) and is the result of an extensive interagency development, review, and 

clearance process initiated in April 1996. This policy notice was developed by OSTP in 

consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and OMB supports the 

solicitation of comment on the proposed policy and procedures. 

The policy consists of a definition of research misconduct and guidelines for handling allegations 

of research misconduct. Following consideration of public comments received, the agencies will 

be directed to implement the policy. In some cases, this may require agencies to amend or 

replace regulations addressing research misconduct that are already in place. In other cases, 

agencies may implement the policy through administrative mechanisms. An important objective 

of this policy is to achieve uniformity in research misconduct policies across the agencies of the 

Federal government. It is intended that agencies will adopt the final Federal research misconduct 

policy, and therefore potentially affected parties should express their views on the policy in 

response to this notice. 

DATES: The Office of Science and Technology Policy welcomes comments on the proposed 

policy. To be assured consideration, comments must be postmarked no later than December 13, 

1999. 

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Sybil Francis, Office of Science and 

Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C. 20502. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sybil Francis, Office of Science and 

Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, Washington, D.C. 20502. Tel: 202-456-

6040; Fax: 202-456-6027; e-mail: sfrancis@ostp.eop.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: Advances in science and engineering depend on the 

reliability of the research record, as do the benefits associated with them in areas such as health 

and national security. Sustained public trust in the scientific enterprise also requires confidence 

in the research record and in the processes involved in its ongoing development. 
11/07/2002 

Page 16 

It is for these reasons, and in the interest of ensuring uniformity in Federal agency policies 

addressed to behaviors that might affect the integrity of the research record, that the NSTC 

initiated discussions regarding the development of a government-wide research misconduct 

policy in April 1996. Since then, the proposed policy has undergone extensive agency review 

and clearance at a number of levels. The NSTC’s Research Integrity Panel (RIP), comprised of 

representatives from the major research agencies developed the first draft of the policy. It was 

tasked by the NSTC to propose a definition of research misconduct and to develop guidelines for 

responding to allegations of research misconduct. The RIP forwarded its report and 

recommendations to the NSTC Committee on Science in December 1996, which broadened 

review of the policy to additional agencies, subjecting it to further analysis. The full NSTC 

approved the proposed policy in May 1999, clearing the way for this notice of proposed policy. 

The notice was developed by OSTP in consultation with OMB, and OMB supports the 

solicitation of comment on the proposed policy and procedures. 

The proposed policy defines the scope of the Federal government’s interest in the accuracy and 

reliability of the research record and the processes involved in its development. It consists of a 

definition of research misconduct and establishes basic guidelines for responding to allegations 

of research misconduct, including procedural safeguards. An important objective of this policy is 

to achieve uniformity across the Federal agencies in the definition of research misconduct they 

use and consistency in their processes for responding to allegations of research misconduct. It is 

expected that the final policy will apply to all research funded by the Federal agencies, including 

intramural research conducted by the Federal agencies, research conducted or managed by 

contractors, and research performed at universities. Commentators are invited to express their 

views on the proposed policy and on the premise that a uniform government-wide policy is a 

desirable goal. 

 

Following consideration of public comments received, agencies will be directed to implement 

the policy. In some cases, this may require agencies to amend or replace extant regulations 

addressing research misconduct. In other cases, agencies may need to put new regulations in 

place or implement the policy through administrative mechanisms. 

 

The proposed policy addresses behavior subject to administrative action and applies only to 

research misconduct as defined in the policy. It does not supersede government policies or 

procedures for addressing other matters, such as the unethical treatment of human research 

subjects or mistreatment of laboratory animals used in research, nor does it supersede criminal or 

civil law. It does not limit agency or institutional policies and prerogatives in addressing other 

forms of misconduct, including those that might occur in the course of conducting research, 

including the misuse of public funds. Agencies will address these other issues as authorized by 

law and as appropriate to their missions and objectives. 

PROPOSED POLICY 

The proposed policy consists of the following:
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I. Research Misconduct Defined 

Research6

 misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, 

performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.

· Fabrication is making up results and recording or reporting them. 

· Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing 

or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the 

research record.7

· Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words 

without giving appropriate credit, including those obtained through confidential 

review of others’ research proposals and manuscripts. 

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

II. Findings of Research Misconduct 

A finding of research misconduct requires that: 

· There be a significant departure from accepted practices of the scientific community 

for maintaining the integrity of the research record; 

· The misconduct be committed intentionally, or knowingly, or in reckless disregard of 

accepted practices; and 

· The allegation be proven by a preponderance of evidence.

III. Responsibilities of Federal Agencies and Research Institutions8

Agencies and research institutions are partners who share responsibility for the integrity of the 

research process. Federal agencies have ultimate oversight authority for Federally funded 

research, but research institutions bear primary responsibility for prevention and detection of 

research misconduct, and for the inquiry, investigation, and adjudication of allegations of 

research misconduct. 

• Agency Policies and Procedures. Agency policies and procedures with regard to both 

their intramural as well as their extramural programs must conform to those outlined in 

this document. 

• Agency Referral to Research Institution. In most cases, agencies will rely on the 

researcher’s home institution to respond to allegations of research misconduct. 

• Agencies will therefore usually direct allegations of research misconduct made directly to 

them to the appropriate research institution. A Federal agency may elect not to defer to the 

research institution if it determines the institution is not prepared to handle the allegation 

 6

 Research, as defined herein, includes all basic, applied, and demonstration research in all fields of 

science, engineering, and mathematics. 

7

 The research record is defined as the record of data or results that embody the facts resulting from

scientific inquiry, and includes, for example, laboratory records, both physical and electronic, research proposals, 

progress reports, abstracts, theses, oral presentations, internal reports, and journal articles. 

8

 This includes all organizations receiving Federal research funds, including, for example, colleges and 

universities, intramural Federal research laboratories, Federally funded research and development centers, 

national user facilities, industrial laboratories, or other research institutes. Independent researchers and small 

research institutions are covered by this policy but it is understood that they may not have the institutional 

structures in place to meet the full range of responsibilities outlined in this policy. Under such circumstances the 

agency may elect not to defer the investigation to the small research institution or independent researcher. 
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in a manner consistent with the definition of research misconduct and procedures outlined 

herein; if Federal agency involvement is needed to protect the Federal government’s or the 

public's interest, including the necessity to ensure public health and safety; or if the 

allegation involves an individual or an entity of sufficiently small size that it cannot 

reasonably conduct the investigation itself. At any time, the Federal agency may proceed 

with its own inquiry or investigation. 

• Multiple Phases of the Investigation. An agency’s or research institution’s response to an 

allegation of research misconduct will usually consist of several phases, including an 

inquiry to determine if the allegation has substance and if an investigation is warranted; 

and an investigation, the formal examination and evaluation of the relevant facts leading 

either to dismissal of the case or a recommendation for a finding of research misconduct. 

If an investigation results in a recommendation for a finding of misconduct, an 

adjudication phase follows whereby the recommendations are reviewed and appropriate 

action determined. The subject of the allegation may also appeal a Federal agency finding 

of research misconduct. 

• Separation of Phases. Adjudication decisions are separated organizationally from the 

agency’s or research institution’s inquiry and investigation processes. Any appeals process 

should likewise be separated organizationally from the inquiry or investigation. 

• Institutional Notification of the Agency. When research institutions receive allegations of

research misconduct, they will notify the relevant responsible agency (or agencies in some

cases) of the allegation upon completion of an inquiry, if (1) the allegation involves 

Federally funded research (or an application for Federal funding) and meets the Federal 

definition of research misconduct given above, and (2) there is sufficient evidence to 

proceed to an investigation. Research institutions will keep the agency informed of the 

progress of the investigation, its outcome, and any actions taken. Upon completion of the 

investigation, the research institution will forward to the agency a report of the case and 

recommendations for its disposition. 

• Other Reasons to Notify the Agency. At any time during an inquiry or investigation, the 

institution will notify the Federal agency if public health or safety is at risk; if agency 

resources or interests are threatened; if research activities should be suspended; if there is 

reasonable indication of possible violations of civil or criminal law; if Federal action is 

required to protect the interests of those involved in the investigation; if the research 

institution believes the inquiry or investigation may be made public prematurely so that 

appropriate steps can be taken to safeguard evidence and protect the rights of those 

involved; or if the scientific community or public should be informed. 

• Agency Follow-up to Institutional Action. The agency will review the findings and any 

corrective actions taken by the research institution, take additional investigative steps if 

necessary, and determine what actions may be required to protect the government's

interests. Upon completion of its review, the agency will take appropriate administrative 

action in accordance with applicable laws or regulations. When the agency has made a 

final determination and has closed a case, it will notify the subject of the allegation and 

the involved institution of the disposition of the case. 

• When more than one agency is involved. A lead agency should be designated to 

coordinate responses to allegations of research misconduct when more than one agency is 

involved in funding activities relevant to the allegation. In cases where the sanction is less 
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than government-wide suspension or debarment, agencies may implement their own 

administrative actions in accordance with established agency and contractual procedures. 

IV. Guidelines for Fair and Timely Procedures 

The following guidelines are provided to assist agencies and research institutions in developing 

fair and timely procedures for responding to allegations of research misconduct. Implementation 

of these guidelines should provide safeguards for subjects of allegations as well as for 

informants. Fair and timely procedures include the following: 

• Safeguards for Informants. Safeguards for informants give individuals the confidence that 

they can bring good faith allegations of research misconduct to the attention of 

appropriate authorities or serve as informants to an investigation without suffering 

retribution; 

• Safeguards for the Subject of the Allegation. Safeguards for the subjects of allegations 

give individuals the confidence that their rights are protected and that the mere filing of 

an allegation of research misconduct against them will not bring their research to a halt or 

be the basis for other disciplinary or adverse action absent other compelling reasons. 

Other safeguards include timely written notification of the subject regarding substantive 

allegations made against him or her; a description of all such allegations; and the 

opportunity to respond to allegations and to the evidence and findings upon which they 

are based. 

• Objectivity and Expertise. The selection of individuals to review allegations and conduct 

investigations who have appropriate expertise and have no unresolved conflicts of 

interests, helps to ensure fairness throughout all phases of the process; 

• Timeliness. Reasonable time limits for the conduct of the inquiry, investigation, 

adjudication, and appeal phases, with allowances for extensions where appropriate, 

provide confidence that the process will be well-managed; and 

• Confidentiality During Inquiry and Investigation. To the extent possible consistent with a 

fair investigation and as allowed by law, knowledge about the identity of subjects and 

informants is limited to those who need to know. Records maintained by the agency 

during the course of responding to an allegation of research misconduct should be exempt 

from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act to the extent permitted by law and 

regulation. 

V. Actions 

• Seriousness of the Misconduct. In deciding what administrative actions are appropriate, the 

agency should consider the seriousness of the misconduct, including whether the 

misconduct was intentional or reckless; was an isolated event or part of a pattern; had 

significant impact on the research record; and had significant impact on other researchers 

or institutions. 

• Administrative Actions. Administrative actions available include, but are not limited to, 

letters of reprimand; the imposition of special certification or assurance requirements to 

ensure compliance with applicable regulations or terms of an award; suspension or 

termination of an active award; or suspension and debarment in accordance with the 

government-wide rule on nonprocurement suspension and debarment, Subpart 9.4 of the 

Federal Acquisition Regulation. In the event of suspension or debarment, the information 
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is made publicly available through the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement 

and Nonprocurement Programs maintained by the U.S. General Services Administration. 

• In Case of Criminal Violations. If the funding agency believes that criminal violations may 

have occurred, the agency should refer the matter to the appropriate criminal investigative 

body.