The publication of the code of conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice” in 1998 marked the establishment of a system of self-regulation within the German research community. The code is based on the fundamental principles of a methodical, systematic and verifiable approach, which are the same throughout all disciplines, countries and cultures. The overriding principle is that of honesty to oneself and to others.

A revised version of the code was published in 2019. In order to continue to be eligible to receive DFG funding, all universities and non-university research institutions must implement the code’s 19 guidelines in a legally binding manner by 07/2023. The measures required include the appointment of an Ombudsperson:

The German Research Ombudsman

Scientists are at liberty to address their concerns to either the HFT Stuttgart-appointed Ombudsperson or the national German Research Ombudsman.

Local Ombudspersons

Ombudspersons provide confidential advice and conflict mediation on issues of good scientific practice and the potential violation thereof as a consequence of scientific dishonesty.

Among others, conflict may have its roots in one or more of the following areas:

  • Inadmissible use of research data and outcomes;
  • Plagiarism;
  • Obstruction of research activities;
  • Obstruction of publication;
  • Insufficient referencing or unauthorized authorship;
  • Intellectual theft;
  • Insufficient supervision of doctoral candidates;
  • Employment issues.

Ombudspersons act as confidential advisors to affected persons (i.e. persons who wish to notify them of suspected scientific misconduct) with the aim of objectively examining the circumstances at hand and reaching an internal solution. Advice is provided without the assistance of third parties and is not legally binding.

HFT Stuttgart has appointed the following Ombudspersons, who are available to all scientists at HFT Stuttgart:

Name and position Field Email and phone Room
Professor and Study Dean for Information Logistics Mathematics / Business and Information Systems Engineering +49 711 8926 2632 2/145
Professorin/ Studiendekanin Master-Studiengang Architektur und Gestaltung/ Städtebau und Stadtplanung/ Leiterin ZNS +49 711 8926 2616 8/3.11

Commission for the Investigation of Allegations of Scientific Misconduct

The Commission is a Senate-appointed body. It is responsible for the investigation of allegations at the request of either an Ombudsperson or a member of the Commission itself.

It consists of the following members:

 

Name and position Field Email and phone Room
Professor Mathematik +49 711 8926 2654 2/444
Professor / Ethics Officer of HFT Stuttgart Business & Economics +49 711 8926 2962 L 109
Full Professor Architecture and Design8/1.01
Institutsleiter zafh.net; Stabstelle Forschung Zentrum für nachhaltige Energietechnik Stabstelle Forschung im Rektorat der HFT +49 711 8926 2674 7/032

Substitution:

Name and position Field Email and phone Room
Studiendekan Bachelor Informatik Wirtschaftsinformatik +49 711 8926 2519 2/545
Professor +49 711 8926 2811 2/449
Professor Centre for Sustainable Energy Technology +49 711 8926 2371 7/028
Managing Director Research Management Institute of Applied Research (IAF) +49 711 8926 2973 7/035

Bylaws Governing the Safeguarding of Good Scientific Practice at HFT Stuttgart

The bylaws are available to all members of HFT Stuttgart and contain detailed information on what constitutes good scientific practice and scientific misconduct. They also define the role of the Ombudspersons and the Commission for the Investigation of Allegations of Scientific Misconduct.