Research Ombudsman
The research ombudsperson should be qualified, independent, of great integrity and should regard information about possible misconduct as confidential. The ombudsperson is not obliged to reveal information to the management board of the research institute.
The role of the research ombudsperson is to mediate between the investigator that detects a possible scientific misconduct and the person (researcher or technician) suspected of misconduct. In conflict situations, the ombudsperson can initiate the procedure by holding a meeting with the respondent or with the management board of the institute. In cases of suspected misconduct, the ombudsperson should request the management board for a creation of one ad hoc commission with experts able to determine from the primary data if misconduct has taken place.
The ombudsperson is responsible for the general surveillance of research, identification of areas of potential scientific misconduct and should analyse the claim and separately listen to both sides, strictly protecting their rights, and they should obtain and become the custodians of the documents related to the claim, primary data included (registers and data collection notebooks).
He can also consult independent experts and are under the moral duty to proceed with the utmost diligence to reach a well-grounded conclusion as promptly as possible.
The research ombudsperson, and the director are obliged to defend and protect the whistle-blower and to prevent negative consequences derived from the claim. This last item is particularly relevant when the whistle-blower works in the group of the respondent.
When the claim has been solved, a report regarding potential scientific misconduct must be filed. The deliberations and proceedings with the whistle-blower and the respondent must be kept in strict confidentiality.
If misconduct has been concluded, it must be notified to the steering committee, who will decide on the appropriate sanction.
If the allegations of misconduct are cleared and the reputation of the respondent or target group have been damaged, those involved in the allegations process must strive to restore the reputation of the respondent in the most suitable manner.
Furthermore, appropriate action must be taken if there is evidence that the claim has been made in bad faith.
Research misconduct might affect third parties: research agencies, editors of scientific journals or the law enforcement authorities. In such cases, the institute director and the scientific director must ensure that the third parties have been notified.
If there is signs of a possible offence in the misconduct allegations, the management board of the institute must abide by the law and report the case to the legal authorities.
How to approach the ombudsperson
The communication with the ombudsperson and the CRI must be addressed to an easy accessible email address. In case of reluctance and potential conflict, it is advisable to hold informal consultations with the ombudsperson. In any case, the ombudsperson must guarantee anonymity and confidentiality with regard to personal data and to any information received.
The IDIAPJGol research ombudsman is Dr. Carlos Martín Cantera (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
