Scientific Misconduct
Scientific misconduct results from a failure to comply with the fundamental principles of scientific integrity.
Do you suspect scientific misconduct?
Reports can be submitted via:
external page https://ethzuerich.integrityline.io/
All reports are treated confidentially.
What constitutes scientific misconduct?
Forms of scientific misconduct under the Procedure in Cases of Suspected Scientific Misconduct (Download RSETHZ 415 (PDF, 243 KB)) include:
- Fabrication (Art. 5)
- Falsification (Art. 6)
- Plagiarism (Art. 7)
- Misconduct in relation to authorship (Art. 8)
- Incorrect publication lists (Art. 9)
- Improper handling of data (Art. 10)
- Misconduct in relation to collaboration (Art. 11)
- Misconduct in connection with expert reports and peer reviews (Art. 12)
- Misconduct in investigation procedures (Art. 13)
Please note: Personal conflicts, scientific errors and the use of approaches or methods that are controversial within the scientific community do not in themselves constitute scientific misconduct.
Overview of the procedure in cases of suspected misconduct
The procedure for suspected scientific misconduct consists of several consecutive stages, from the initial assessment of a report through to completion of the proceedings.
>> View the detailed procedure (German only)
- Download Ordinance of ETH Zurich governing the procedure to address allegations of scientific misconduct - RSETHZ 415 (PDF, 243 KB)
- Download Handling Confidential Information (Art. 40 Abs. 2 VWF) - German only (PDF, 113 KB)
- Download Code of Conduct of the Swiss Academies (PDF, 1 MB)
- Download Integrity Guidelines - RSETHZ 414 (PDF, 264 KB)
Criteria for opening an investigation
- Personal jurisdiction of the Integrity Commission:
The accused person or persons must have allegedly committed the scientific misconduct in the context of scientific activities at ETH Zurich. - Subject-matter jurisdiction of the Integrity Commission:
The alleged conduct must fall within one of the recognised categories of scientific misconduct. - Evidence:
The report must be supported by evidence such as documents, publications, research data or correspondence.
Who investigates reports of misconduct?
Proceedings concerning suspected scientific misconduct are conducted by the Integrity Commission. The Scientific Integrity Office (FWI) receives reports and coordinates the proceedings.
Current members of the Integrity Commission:
- PD Dr Mark Schweizer, Federal Patent Court, St Gallen
- Prof. Dr Dominique Soldati-Favre, University of Geneva
- Prof. Dr Andreas Hierlemann, ETH Zurich
- Prof. em. Dr James Kirchner, ETH Zurich
- Prof. Dr Monika Kurath, University of Zurich
- Prof. Dr Matthias Mahlmann, University of Zurich
Members
The Executive Board Committee responsible for proceedings under the scientific misconduct regulations comprises the Vice President for Research as Chair, the Rector, the Vice President for Personel Development and Leadership and, where required, the President and the Vice President for Knowledge Transfer and Corporate Relations.
Mandate
The Executive Board Committee acknowledges the investigation report and, on the basis of the report and its recommendations, decides on measures or on initiating measures in accordance with the applicable regulations. It also determines how the outcome of the proceedings is communicated, including when an anonymised version of the investigation report is published on the Scientific Integrity Office website.
The dark teal shapes represent closed cases.
DNBP Decision to not bring proceedings
IP Initiation of procedure
SM Scientific misconduct
Contact
Weinbergstrasse 11
WEC F 7
8092
Zürich