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 07/2022. The measures required include the appointment of an Ombudsperson.
Scientists are at liberty to address their concerns to either the HFT Stuttgart-appointed Ombudsperson or the national German Research Ombudsman.
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:
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.
Name and position | Field | Email and phone | Room |
---|---|---|---|
Professor, Member of IAF Directorium | Building Physics | +49 711 8926 2839 | 7/104 |
Professorin/ Studiendekanin Master-Studiengang | Architektur und Gestaltung/ Städtebau und Stadtplanung/ Leiterin ZNS | +49 711 8926 2616 | 8/3.11 |
+49 711 8926 2560 | 2/209 | ||
+49 711 8926 2708 | 7/030 |
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Prorektor Wissenschaft und Forschung | Rektorat | +49 711 8926 2663 | 1/121 |
+49 711 8926 2708 | 7/030 | ||
Professor | Faculty of Surveying, Computer Science, and Mathematics | +49 711 8926 2505 | 2/359 |
Institutsleiter zafh.net; Stabstelle Forschung | Zentrum für nachhaltige Energietechnik Stabstelle Forschung im Rektorat der HFT | +49 711 8926 2674 | 7/032 |
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.