Ombudspersons

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:

• 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.

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:

• The Prorector in charge of research, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Huep (Chairperson);
• The Managing Director of the Institute for Applied Research (IAF), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Volker Coors;
• The Gender Equality Officer, Prof. Dorothee Koch;
• An elected IAF employee (term of office: 2 years), Dr. Dirk Pietruschka (term of office begins WS20/21);
• If the allegation has an impact on student affairs: An elected student member of the Senate (term of office: 2 years).

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.