Penn State - Research Administration
Guideline RAG16 THE RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH
The Pennsylvania State University is committed to fostering integrity in
the conduct of research. All members of the research community, including
faculty, research staff, students, fellows, adjunct faculty, and visiting
researchers, are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional
standards as they pursue research activities to further scientific
The goal of the Guidelines is to offer a set of values, principles, and
standards to guide decision-making and conduct throughout the research process.
It is not intended to provide a set of rules that prescribe how researchers
should act in all situations. Rather, the Guidelines are intended to increase
awareness of research integrity and outline the University's expectations for
ethical behavior amongst all researchers.
The Guidelines discussed are not mutually exclusive. There are many
circumstances when many of them apply to a single project or activity. The
risks of non-adherence to the Guidelines can be both personally and
institutionally great. Potential consequences of non-adherence are outlined in
the University polices that form the foundation for these Guidelines.
The Code of Conduct prescribes standards of work performance and ethical
conduct expected of all persons engaged in research at The Pennsylvania State
University based upon the following guiding principles:
- Research is the pursuit of truth in the advancement of knowledge
- Researchers should, in all aspects of research-
- Demonstrate integrity and professionalism;
- Observe fairness and equity;
- Disclose and appropriately manage all conflicts of interest;
- Ensure the rights, safety, and dignity of those associated with
- Comply with all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements
established by the University, regulatory bodies, funding sources, and
- Research methods and results should be open to scrutiny and
I. DATA MANAGEMENT AND DATA INTEGRITY:
Data integrity depends on the proper and ethical collection,
representation, and retention of data. Falsification or fabrication of one's
own data and unacknowledged use of data generated by others are unacceptable
behaviors and constitute misconduct. The University maintains ownership of all
data collected from research conducted at the University, under the auspices of
the University, or with University resources, subject to restrictions
stipulated in University-approved agreements with sponsors and other third
- Accept primary responsibility for data collection, proper
attribution, recording, storage, retention, and disposal or transfer to
University Archives, as appropriate.
- Scrupulously record data in a form that is easily accessible for
analysis and review and, if the research is supported by external funding,
readily identifiable with and traceable to the sponsored project.
- Maintain the privacy of data as required by confidentiality
agreements and regulations.
- Make data immediately available to scientific supervisors and
collaborators, as confidentiality agreements permit.
- Post-publication, share data with other interested researchers who
seek to verify and/or complement existing research.
- Maintain research data intact, preferably in original form, in
accordance with University or sponsor's retention requirements or for a
sufficient amount of time to allow for analysis of published results by other
researchers, optimally a minimum of five years after publication.
II. RESPONSIBLE AUTHORSHIP:
Authorship is the process by which the results of original research are
translated to published form to facilitate the communication of new knowledge
to the professional community. Thus, the integrity of the scholarly record is
of paramount concern to the research community. See University Policy
- Attest to the originality of work.
- Assign credit appropriately in publications by citing relevant work
- Discuss and resolve issues of authorship before beginning a study or
as they arise during a study.
- Assign appropriate credit in publications to all those who have
contributed significantly to the research process, including research staff,
students, and support staff. See PSU Policy RA13 for further clarification on
- Confirm that all coauthors willingly agree to be listed as coauthors
of publications and to assume responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of
- Actively involve all coauthors in reviewing and verifying any and all
parts of the manuscript.
- Identify a primary author to be responsible for the validity of the
entire manuscript and for assuring that all contributions are appropriately
- Avoid honorary authorship, which is the practice of subscribing
authorship to an individual who has not made a substantial contribution to a
manuscript. Instead, utilize alternative forms of acknowledgment as allowed by
the publication venue.
- Include information in the publication on the sources of financial
support for the research. Be cautious of financial sponsorship that prohibits
the naming of the sponsor in publication.
III. DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH:
The University strongly upholds principles of academic freedom, and as
an institution serving the public, encourages every effort to ensure that
research conducted under the auspices of the University can be freely pursued
and disseminated. Researchers are urged to be aware of overtly commercialized
research that attempts to place boundaries on academic freedom to pursue
research for the good of society and to make research results available to the
general public. However, the nature of some research, particularly industrial
and defense-related research, does present some circumstances where it may be
appropriate and necessary for restrictions to be placed on dissemination. Where
such situations are warranted, researchers should practice caution and abide by
the following guidelines.
- Conduct classified research only in the Applied Research
- Maintain the secrecy of classified research.
- Maintain the confidentiality of proprietary information that has been
provided to enable research.
- Refrain from publishing or otherwise disseminating research related
to inventions until appropriate disclosure filings are made to protect your
- Abide by export control regulations that can place legal restrictions
on the ability to publish or present.
- Refrain from disseminating research that may result in future harm to
IV. PUBLICATION PRACTICES:
Timely communication of research results is the primary method for the
public dissemination of new knowledge, which is necessary for fostering growth
in a professional field. As such, researchers have the responsibility to
communicate research results to the scholarly community. Both the reputation
and the growth of a profession depend upon three key values: 1) openness in
communication, 2) honesty in reporting results and methods, and 3) fairness in
apportioning credit. All investigators are obligated to uphold these
- Include sufficient information in publications to enable others to
replicate the results or otherwise scientifically validate the research.
- Avoid simultaneous submission of the same abstract or manuscript to
- Avoid fragmentary publication or multiple publications of highly
similar research findings based on the same data set.
- Acknowledge any sources of financial support for the research and
disclose any conflicts of interest in publications.
V. PEER REVIEW:
Peer review is an essential part of the research process. Peer review
helps ensure that research has been carried out in an effective manner and will
make a significant, timely contribution to the field. Researchers of all fields
may find themselves in the position to offer peer review, and the obligation
should be thought of as an additional way to contribute to the profession. The
review process must be conducted according to the highest professional
standards to ensure continuing widespread confidence in the peer review
- Review only manuscripts and grant applications on a subject matter of
personal expertise and return a thoughtful review.
- Disclose real or perceived conflicts of interest. Identification of a
conflict of interest may require a decision to remove oneself from the review
- Base a review objectively within the context of published
information. Offer positively constructive comments rather than confrontational
- Retain the confidentiality of all manuscript and grant application
contents, as both contain privileged information.
VI. COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH:
Collaborative research affords many opportunities to significantly
expand research in response to more detailed questions by sharing expertise and
resources. Researchers are encouraged to partake in collaborative research
within the institution as well as across institutions, keeping in mind that all
of the guidelines for research put forth are applicable to collaborative
projects. Noncompliance by any single individual contributing to collaborative
research may have negative repercussions for the entire research team.
- Ensure all those involved confirm their compliance with applicable
regulations and policies of all institutions and professional standards.
- Abide by export control regulations that can place legal restrictions
on the ability to publish or present.
- Ensure collaborators adhere to all grant management regulations and
- Discuss and agree to authorship guidelines for the project.
- Advise collaborators of institutional policies for intellectual
property and requirements for protecting privileged work invented in the course
of the collaboration.
- Disclose all real or perceived conflicts of interest with
collaborators prior to embarking on collaboration.
VII. FINANCIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
Conflict of interest occurs when a researcher uses his/her position,
relationships, and reputation for personal gain or for the profit of a family
member. Real or perceived conflict of interest can be detrimental to the
research process in that it may lead some researchers to inappropriately
influence a research study or results. The existence of a financial
relationship does not necessarily lead to inappropriate actions. Consequently,
it is important for researchers to disclose all relevant financial
relationships. See University Policies RA12,
RAG20, HR91, and RA20.
- Disclose all potential significant conflicts of interest to:
- the University Conflict of Interest Committee prior to the
submission of proposals or initiation of sponsored projects or at least
annually or as changes in status occur.
- funding agencies when submitting funding applications.
- journal editors when submitting manuscripts for publication or
acting as a peer reviewer.
- meeting organizers prior to delivering a scholarly
- the Institutional Review Board, when applicable.
- Attempt to eliminate significant conflicts of interest and
appropriately manage those that cannot be eliminated.
VIII. CONFLICT OF COMMITMENT:
Conflict of commitment occurs when demands on time and/or effort made by
non-institutional entities or persons interfere with primary professional
responsibilities to the University. Avoiding irresponsible conflicts of
commitment is essential for supporting credibility and accountability,
providing sound stewardship of University resources, increasing trust among
members of the University community, protecting researchers and the University
from litigation, and for maintaining mission focus and academic freedom. The
University allows and encourages extra-university research activities as long
as such activities support the mission of the University and do not compete
with the University. To avoid the appearance of unethical conflicts of
commitment, researchers should disclose all potential conflicts to academic
supervisors. See University Policy RA12.
- Attempt to effectively manage time and effort commitments that may
detract from University obligations.
- Disclose all potential conflicts of commitment that arise from
activities such as consulting, external teaching, privately-funded research,
and start-up companies.
IX. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Accurately managing research funds contributes to the fiscally sound and
ethically responsible conduct of research. Managing project budgets and effort
responsibly contributes to the legitimacy of the overall research project. See
University Policies RA01,
RA06, and RA08.
- Understand that grants, contracts, and gifts are awarded to the
University, rather than to individuals employed by the University.
- Effectively manage research-appropriated funds to ensure all costs
incurred on a project are reasonable, allowable, and allocable.
- Comply with all terms and conditions imposed by the financial
- Initiate all required approvals for budgetary and programmatic
changes that may be necessary during a project.
- Comply with University purchasing and travel policies as well as all
- Submit effort certifications for all projects annually, but review
effort assignments monthly to avoid unallowed expenses for federally funded
projects in particular.
X. RESPONSIBILITIES OF RESEARCH SUPERVISORS:
Mentoring young researchers in the technical as well as ethical aspects
of research is a significant responsibility. Research supervisors have the
rewarding and unique opportunity to inform, instruct, and set an example for
the responsible conduct of research. However, researchers should be cognizant
of ethical issues related to the supervision of research trainees such as the
potential abuse of power over those who are dependent for financial, academic,
and emotional support; conflicts of commitment between the productivity of the
supervisor's research and the trainee's academic progress; and financial
conflicts of interest created by assigning research trainees to projects in
which the supervisor stands to gain financially.
- Ensure the scientific integrity of all work stemming from one's
- Provide supervision, guidance, and example to trainees to further
their academic, technical, and professional development.
- Provide oversight of experimental procedures including study design
and data collection, validity, reporting, and retention.
- Instruct graduate students, post doctoral fellows, and other research
assistants on all relevant regulations, university policies, and university
procedures for research with humans, animals, and/or hazardous materials.
- Ensure the proper fiscal management and conduct of the project.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of technical reports and any
other required deliverables.
XI. RESEARCH WITH HUMAN PARTICIPANTS:
The conduct of research with human participants is highly regulated and
is guided by ethical considerations. First and foremost, researchers should be
cognizant of the fact that research with human participants is a privilege, not
a right stemming from Academic Freedom. Researchers are obligated to conduct
research with human participants in such a way as to minimize any risks or harm
to participants. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) review and approval
process is in place to ensure that all research with human participants adheres
to this mandate. See University Policies RA14
- Minimize risk to participants and ensure that research is justified
by maximizing potential benefits.
- Obtain informed consent of participants throughout the duration of
the research as appropriate.
- Ensure the safety and privacy of all participants, as well as the
confidentiality of all information.
- Employ additional safeguards when vulnerable populations are
- Obtain written IRB approval for research prior to contact with human
- Adhere to all relevant federal regulations.
XII. RESEARCH WITH ANIMAL SUBJECTS:
Research involving animals must be humane and meet normative standards
of conduct. Animal researchers are duty-bound to conduct their research
ethically and humanely. Researchers should be cognizant of the fact that the
use of animals in research is a privilege, not a right stemming from Academic
Freedom. See University Policy RA15.
- Ensure all research associates working with animals are adequately
evaluated according to the Animal Care and Use Occupational Health and Safety
program, trained and supervised.
- Identify how the research will benefit animals or human kind.
- Minimize the number of animals involved in a research study to
include only the number necessary to ensure the integrity of the research.
- Design protocols to avoid or minimize discomfort, distress, and pain,
using appropriate pain medication where appropriate.
- Obtain written approval of research from the Institutional Animal
Care and Use Committee (IACUC) prior to the commencement of any research or
teaching with animals.
- Adhere to the IACUC-approved protocol throughout the study.
- Conduct all research activities in accordance with University policy,
the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use
of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and
U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals
Used in Teaching, Research, and Training.
XIII. RESEARCH INVOLVING HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND
POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARDS:
Research involving biohazardous, radioactive and other hazardous
materials, such as chemicals, if, improperly handled, has the potential to pose
a threat to researchers, the Penn State community, and society at large.
Additionally, other potential safety hazards may exist in the research
environment and measures need to be in-place to prevent injury or negative
impacts. It is essential that an organizational structure for safety be
established and followed so that safe processes are integral with daily
activities. See University Policy SY01.
All supervisors (department chairs, faculty, and other employees with
direct oversight of University activities) have specific responsibilities to
provide for the health and safety of those supervised.
- Be thoroughly informed of appropriate University and Departmental
safety policies, rules and procedures and how they specifically apply to your
responsibilities and authority.
- Ensure all employees and students understand and abide by relevant
safety and health policies, rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Provide and maintain required safety equipment, devices and personal
protective equipment and apparel. Ensure proper usage.
- Provide instruction and assistance in the proper operation of
equipment or materials that may be potentially hazardous.
- Encourage reporting of health and safety concerns. Take prompt,
corrective action when unsafe conditions, practices or equipment are reported
- Conduct a thorough investigation in all work-related injuries,
illnesses and accidents, submit appropriate recommendations on all accident
reports, and follow through to ensure corrective measures have been
- Coordinate or conduct inspections to maintain safe and healthful
conditions, and address any deficiencies that are identified.
- Provide for health and safety training.
Guidelines for Use Involving Biohazardous Materials:
The Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Environmental Health and
Safety (EHS) exist to ensure compliance with regulations pertaining to the use
of these materials. See University Policy SY24.
- Submit any research or teaching involving the use of genetically
modified materials (recombinant DNA); infectious agents; human blood, tissues,
or unpreserved body fluids; Select Agents, or USDA regulated agents to the
Institutional Biosafety Committee for review and written approval prior to
conducting the activities.
- Ensure all laboratory work areas have current and protocol
appropriate inspections by Environmental Health and Safety.
- Ensure all research personnel are properly trained and supervised for
handling biologic and chemical materials to which they may be exposed.
- Dispose of all biological hazards and chemical materials according to
- Conduct all research activities in accordance with relevant
University polices, federal regulations, and state laws.
Guidelines for Use of Radioactive Materials:
The University Isotope Committee (UIC) and Environmental Health and
Safety (EHS) exist to ensure compliance with radiation rules and procedures.
See University Policy SY14.
- Obtain written authorization from the University Isotope Committee
prior to beginning research utilizing radioactive materials.
- Acquire all radioactive research materials through Environmental
Health and Safety.
- Ensure the proper containment of radioactive materials being utilized
in work areas.
- Ensure all research associates and technicians working with
radioactive materials are properly trained by EHS.
- Immediately report radioactive material spills or exposure to the
- Dispose of all radioactive materials according to established
- Conduct all research activities in accordance with all relevant
University policies, federal regulations, and state laws.
Guidelines for Use of Radiation-Producing Equipment:
The use of radiation-producing equipment such as x-rays poses a
potential serious hazard to those individuals exposed. It is also regulated by
federal and state agencies. See Policy SY15.
- Consult with EHS as early as possible prior to ordering or installing
any radiation-producing equipment.
- Arrange to have newly installed systems inspected by EHS for
required labeling, safety devices, radiation levels, and evaluation of the
system location to assure user and non-user safety.
- Prepare written operating procedures for the use of all
radiation-producing instruments and review them with the user(s).
- Inform EHS prior to the transfer of the equipment or when a system is
permanently removed from service and is to be either disposed of or used for
- Contact EHS for guidance on proper disposal.
The responsible conduct of research is essential for promoting public
trust in research and in the University. The University expects that all
research and other scholarly activities be conducted according to the highest
ethical standards and guidelines. The personal and institutional consequences
associated with unethical conduct can be significant. The risks of
non-adherence to the guidelines stated here can include fines, loss of
privileges to conduct particular types of research, loss of funding or the
inability to apply for certain types of funding in the future, damaged
reputation, disbarment from a federal agency, and dismissal from the
University. As is stated in Policy RA10, the
University will take all necessary actions to ensure the integrity of research
and scholarly work.
Effective Date: December 3, 2003
Date Approved: December 1,
Date Published: December 2, 2003
Most Recent Changes: