Policies related to Research Compliance

Academic Misconduct

Iowa State University requires integrity on the part of all concerned in all of its endeavors, including teaching, research and service. Academic misconduct may include any or all of the following: falsification of data, plagiarism, misappropriation of funds or resources or the ideas of others and falsification of one’s credentials. The policies and procedures on academic misconduct investigations was drafted by the Graduate Council and approved by the Faculty Senate in 1989. The full policy may be obtained from the Office of the Provost web site.
http://www.provost.iastate.edu/handbook/section7.html#section-7.2.2.3.

Conflict of Interest

Conflict of interest occurs when a faculty or staff member influences University business, research or other decisions in such a way that their actions could lead to any form of personal gain for themselves or others closely associated to them. Further information about the policy on conflict of interest, disclosure, review and possible sanctions may be obtained from the Office of the Provost web site at http://www.provost.iastate.edu/handbook/section7.html#section-7.2.2.1. .

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is defined in the Intellectual Property Handbook as “…intangible creations resulting from creative use of the intellect.” Certain intellectual property for Iowa State University is owned and managed by the Iowa State University Research Foundation (ISURF). According to University policy, the ownership of intellectual property is assigned by faculty, staff, graduate assistants, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars and scientists to ISURF.

For a brief overview, "Intellectual Property: When, what and who?" please go to the Biotechnology Industrial Resource web page. For a copy of the Intellectual Property Handbook or additional information, please contact: ISURF/OIPTT 310 Lab of Mechanics, Kenneth Kirkland, Ph.D., Executive Director, ISURF and Director, OIPTT; telephone 515-294-4740, fax 515-294-0778, e-mail kenk@iastate.edu or visit their web site at http://www.public.iastate.edu/~isurf .

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Research Misconduct

Research Misconduct Defined

Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.

• Fabrication is making up data or 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.
• Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
• Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences in opinion.

Findings of Research Misconduct

A finding of research misconduct requires that:

• There be a significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community; and
• The misconduct be committed intentionally, or knowingly, or recklessly; and
• The allegation be proven by a preponderance of evidence.