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Overseeing Research Misconduct allegations is one of the four main areas for which the Office of Research Oversight is responsible.
All Federal agencies that conduct or support research have adopted a uniform definition of Research Misconduct as follows: fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.
VHA Handbook 1058.2 (issued on May 4, 2005) adopts the Federalwide definition of research misconduct and sets out a precise process for responding to misconduct allegations involving VA research. The potential consequences and severity of research misconduct necessitate a procedurally detailed mechanism for handling such allegations.
The standard response to a research misconduct allegation involves a threshold determination, an initial Inquiry, and a formal Investigation conducted by the facility where the research in question is located. Based on the Investigation’s findings and conclusions, the appropriate VISN Director adjudicates (determines the outcome of) each case of research misconduct. Respondents found guilty of research misconduct have an opportunity to appeal the findings and recommended corrective actions to the Under Secretary for Health.
Each VA medical center that conducts research has appointed a Research Integrity Officer (RIO) who is responsible for overseeing the fact-finding process at the local facility. See RIO Contact List.
ORO Central Office must be notified any time a research misconduct Inquiry is initiated at a VA facility. See What to Report to ORO Memorandum (September 8, 2005).
If you have any questions regarding Research Misconduct, please contact Peter Poon (see below ).
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