Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the JCU Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research Procedure

Allegation

A claim or assertion arising from a preliminary assessment that there are reasonable grounds to believe a breach of the Research Code has occurred. May refer to a single allegation or multiple allegations.

ARC

Australian Research Council

Research Code

The James Cook University Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Complainant

A person or persons who has made a complaint about the conduct of research.

Conflict of interest

A conflict of interest exists in a situation where an independent observer might reasonably conclude that the professional actions of a person are or may be unduly influenced by other interests.

This refers to a financial or non-financial interest which may be a perceived, potential or actual conflict of interest.

Corrective actions

These include retractions or errata of publications, training, counselling and systemic improvements.

Evidence

Any document (hard copy or electronic, including e-mail, images and data), information, tangible item (for example, biological samples) or testimony offered or obtained that may be considered during the process of managing and investigating a potential breach of the Research Code.

Guide

Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Research Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

Head of Work Unit

Means the manager of a Division College, Institute, Center, Directorate or any successor structure. A Head or Work Unit would be a staff member in one of the following roles: Dean, Director, DVC, or Vice Chancellor.

Institution

James Cook University

Investigation

The term ‘investigation’ is used to describe the action of investigating an allegation of a breach of the Research Code by an Investigation Panel, following the preliminary assessment. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether a breach of the Research Code has occurred, and if so, the extent of that breach, and to make recommendations about further actions.

JCU

James Cook University

NHMRC

National Health and Medical Research Council

Preliminary assessment

The term ‘preliminary assessment’ is used to describe the gathering and evaluating of evidence to establish whether a potential breach of the Research Code warrants further investigation.

Processes

This includes reference to policies, procedures, guidelines and standards.

Research

The concept of research is broad and includes the creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge in a new and creative way so as to generate new concepts, methodologies, inventions and understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the extent that it is new and creative.

Researcher

Person (or persons) who conducts, or assists with, the conduct of research.

Respondent

Person or persons who are the subject to a complaint or allegation about a potential breach of the Research Code.

Supervisor

In relation to JCU Staff, a Supervisor is the line manager of JCU staff member. In relation to JCU students, the Supervisor may be an academic or is the person otherwise supervising the JCU student.

Support person

A person who accompanies a party to an interview and may be a staff member or; a delegate or staff member of a union that negotiated the JCU Enterprise Agreement and not a practicing solicitor or barrister.

University

James Cook University

Work Unit

A work unit of James Cook University, for example, Division, College or Directorate

6.1  Making a complaint or raising a concern about a potential breach of the Research Code

• A complaint will be considered if it concerns the allegation that a researcher or researchers have conducted research that does not comply with the principles and or responsibilities of the Research Code. If the complainant is a JCU staff member or a currently enrolled JCU student, the complainant is encouraged to seek advice from a Research Integrity Advisor (RIA) before lodging a complaint.
• Complaints may be lodged anonymously or by a third party, but this may limit JCU’s ability to assess the complaint or confirm the details with the complainant. It may also impose limitations on the Preliminary Assessment or any Investigation that may follow from the complaint.
• Verbal complaints may be made but the complaint will be confirmed with the complainant in writing by the Research Integrity Office (RIO).
• If a complainant does not wish to proceed with a complaint or withdraws the complaint, JCU’s obligation is to proceed to assess the complaint and determine whether a Preliminary Assessment is necessary.

6.2  Receipt of a concern, complaint or allegation

Initial Assessment

• Minor or less serious breaches of the Research Code, for example, relating to research administration, unintentional administrative errors, clerical errors or oversights may be easily rectified at the Work Unit.
• If the complainant is a JCU staff member or a currently enrolled JCU student, the complainant may seek advice from a RIA to discuss the circumstances of the complaint and options in accordance with this Procedure and the Research Code. Options include:
  • not proceeding if the complaint or concern is not related to a breach of the Research Code;
  • proceeding under other University processes;
  • making a formal complaint about a potential breach of the Research Code.
• If the complaint relates to an activity that poses an immediate risk of harm to humans, or animals or the environment, it will be referred to the relevant ethics committee or other appropriate University processes for action.
• If the complaint proceeds to a formal allegation this must be made to the RIO and the notification of the complaint will be referred to the DO.

Assessment Designated Officer

• The DO will assess the complaint and will determine if it is an alleged breach of the Research Code.
• If the complaint does not concern a potential breach of the Research Code, the DO can dismiss the complaint or refer it to other University processes as appropriate. If the complaint is considered frivolous or vexatious, the DO may refer the matter to other University processes to address the conduct of the complainant.
• If the complaint does concern a potential breach of the Research Code, the DO may determine that the matter can be managed at the Work Unit without the need for a Preliminary Assessment.
• The DO may take interim action to mitigate risk such as risk of harm to humans, or animals or the   environment, and security of material relevant to any subsequent Preliminary Assessment or suspend activities whilst the matter is assessed.
• The DO may also instruct the relevant Work Unit delegates to assess any interim action to be taken in relation to research involving staff and students.
• If the complaint does concern a   potential breach of the Research Code, and cannot be managed at the Work Unit,   the DO will proceed with a Preliminary Assessment.

6.3  Preliminary Assessment

The purpose of the preliminary assessment is to gather and evaluate facts and information and assess whether the complaint, if proven, would constitute a breach of the Research Code.

Conduct of the Preliminary Assessment

• The DO will assign the complaint to an AO to conduct a Preliminary Assessment with administrative assistance from the RIO.
• The AO may seek further information from the complainant, and information from other people, which may include internal or external experts. The consultation of other parties both internal and external will depend upon the nature of the allegation. The AO can seek advice from the RIO regarding any necessary consultation. However, to avoid compromising the preliminary assessment, information should not be shared unless required.
• The respondent must be given details of the allegation and a defined time-frame to respond in writing to the allegation.
• The respondent must be given the opportunity to meet with the AO to discuss the matter, with the option to bring a support person to this meeting. (The support person cannot be a legal representative.)
• The AO must assess the matter and determine a time-frame for the preliminary assessment. That is, the preliminary assessment should be conducted within a defined time-frame notified to the respondent. If it becomes apparent that the Preliminary Assessment will require more time, an amended time-frame will be negotiated with the DO and the respondent notified.
• The AO must ensure that documentation of the preliminary assessment is retained by the University, including records and minutes of meetings.

Preliminary Assessment Report

Upon completion of the preliminary assessment, written advice must be prepared for the DO, which includes:

• A summary of the process undertaken;
• An inventory of the information that was gathered, including the written response received from the respondent;
• An assessment of the facts and information;
• A description of how the potential breach relates to the principles and responsibilities of the Research Code and/or other University processes; and
• Recommendation for further action.

Actions

Upon review of the Preliminary Assessment Report, the DO will determine on the basis of information gathered by the preliminary assessment whether a breach of the Research Code exists and if so, the seriousness of the breach.

The DO may determine that:

• There is no breach of the Research Code and the matter be dismissed.
• The breach is minor or less serious and should be referred to the relevant Head of Work Unit to be resolved with or without corrective actions.
• The breach is major and serious but may be resolved by Head of Work Unit, with or without corrective actions.
• The breach is major or serious and should be referred to the REO for appropriate action, but does not require an Investigation Panel.
• The breach may constitute Research Misconduct and must be referred to an Investigation Panel for investigation.
• Although the respondent admits to the breach of the Research Code, the DO may determine that it is still necessary to refer the matter to an Investigation Panel to consider appropriate corrective actions, or whether any other parties may have been complicit in the breach or whether any other action needs to be taken.
• If the complaint should be referred by the REO to another external authority, institution or other external process.
• Referred to other University processes.

The DO must advise the respondent, the complainant and other relevant parties as appropriate of the outcome of the preliminary assessment. This may include advice to funding bodies including, as required by, the NHMRC Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy and ARC Research Integrity Policy (within 2 weeks) and other organisations in accordance with obligations of funding agreements, other research agreement or requirements of regulatory bodies.

The DO will also determine if it is appropriate for the Preliminary Assessment Report or a summary of the Report is to be provided to the relevant parties.

Remedial Actions

• If the DO determines that there is no breach of the Research Code then reasonable efforts must be made to restore the reputation of any affected parties.
• If the DO considers the complaint to have been made in bad faith or is vexatious, efforts must be made to address that with the complainant through the appropriate University processes.
• If required, the DO may address any systemic issues that have been identified during the Preliminary Assessment.
• If the respondent is no longer employed by JCU, the University has a continuing obligation to address the complaint.

6.4  Investigation

The purpose of the investigation is to make findings of fact to assess the extent of the breach and whether it constitutes research misconduct and the recommended actions. If the DO determines that an allegation of breach of the Research Code must be investigated, the DO must:

• Prepare a statement of allegations;
• Develop the terms of reference for the   investigation;
• Nominate the Investigation Panel and Chair noting that the Panel must consist of a Chair and at least two persons and whether members are internal or external independent appointees; and
• Seek legal advice on matters of process where appropriate.

Investigation Panel

Composition

• Panel members must be appropriately qualified members with the expertise, skills and relevant experience of research conduct or investigations and the Research Code.
• Panel members must be free from bias and conflicts of interest.
• The Panel should consist of a balance of gender and diversity in its membership and have the appropriate number of members to ensure a fair outcome.
• The Panel can include members external to the University.
• Once the Panel is selected, the respondent must be advised of the Panel’s composition and be provided with the opportunity to raise any concerns.

Process

• The principles of procedural fairness must be applied when undertaking an investigation but does not include the right to legal representation for any party.
• During the investigation, Panel members must ensure that relevant interests are disclosed and managed. If an interest cannot be managed, e.g., a perceived or actual conflict of interest might be viewed as influencing the impartiality of the Panel, then relevant Panel members must recuse themselves from the Panel.
• All those required to attend the Panel should be given adequate notification.
• The respondent will be provided with the opportunity to respond to the allegations in writing and/or in person and to provide additional relevant evidence to the Panel. The respondent may choose to be accompanied by a support person, but this person cannot be a legal representative.
• If the respondent chooses not to respond or appear before the Panel, the investigation will continue in their absence.
• If the Panel finds during the investigation that the scope and/or the terms of reference are limiting, it will refer the matter to the DO. The DO may decide to amend the scope of the investigation and the terms of reference. Should this occur, the respondent and relevant others are to be advised, and the respondent given the opportunity to respond to any new material arising from   the increased scope.

6.5  Outcome of the Investigation

Report

• Upon the completion of the Investigation, the Investigation Panel will prepare a draft investigation report for the DO, which includes findings of fact consistent with the terms of reference of the Investigation and any recommendations.
• The draft investigation report must be provided to the respondent for comment within 20 business days of the DO’s receipt of the report. The respondent has 15 business days to respond from receipt of the draft investigation report.
• Following the consideration of the respondent’s comments, the investigation report will be finalised and the respondent will be provided with a copy.

Recommendations

• The DO will consider the final report of the Investigation Panel and consider the findings of fact, evidence presented and the Panel recommendations.
• The DO will consider the extent of the breach, the appropriate corrective actions and if referral to disciplinary procedures is required and will provide the final report to the REO with recommendations for action.
• Where systemic issues are identified as a contributing factor, these need to be referred to the University to be addressed.

6.6  Actions on Completion of the Investigation

Upon receipt of the Investigation Panel Report and the DO recommendations, the REO will determine, whether:

• it constitutes research misconduct and the appropriate University response; or
• no research misconduct has occurred and the allegation is dismissed.

Actions

The REO must communicate the determination and actions taken by the University, including but not limited to:

• Formal written advice to the Respondent;
• Formal written advice to the Complainant;
• If required, advice to the relevant parties, which may include affected staff, research collaborators including those at other institutions, funding organisations, journal editors, and professional registration bodies;
• If relevant, formal written advice (within 2 weeks) to NHMRC and/or ARC in compliance with NHMRC Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy and the ARC Research Integrity Policy;
• Action to be taken to amend the public record including correcting publications if the major or serious breach or research misconduct has affected the research findings and their dissemination;
• Action to be taken where the respondent is no longer a University employee. JCU is still obliged to address the findings and may seek legal advice regarding disclosure to other institutions.

Remedial Actions

• If allegations are shown to be unfounded, the University will make every effort to reinstate the good reputation of the respondent/s.
• Persons making frivolous or vexatious complaints in regard to research conduct may be dealt with under a disciplinary process.

Further Actions – refer to Section 6.8.

6.7  Review of the Investigation

The respondent may request an internal review of an Investigation:

• A request for review of an Investigation will only be considered on the grounds of procedural fairness.
• The request must be made in writing to the Research Integrity Office within 10 business days of receipt of notification of the outcome of the Investigation.
• The request must clearly outline the procedural fairness grounds relied upon, including any supporting material and   documentation.
• The Review Officer (RO) will assess if the request is based on grounds of procedural fairness.
• The RO will notify the applicant of the decision.
• Respondents and complainants may also lodge a request for an external review of an investigation with the Australian Research   Integrity Committee (ARIC) or the National Health & Medical Council or Australian Research Council if appropriate.

6.8  Further Action

Further action may be taken as outlined below:

• In the case of a staff member: if a determination is made by the REO that a disciplinary process should be considered, the University must act in accordance with the Enterprise Agreement;
• In the case of a student: if a determination is made by the REO that a disciplinary process should be considered, the matter will be dealt with under the Student Code of Conduct and the relevant procedures;
• If the case of any other party undertaking research under the auspices of James Cook University: if a determination is made by the REO that disciplinary process is required the matter will be dealt with under applicable University policy and   procedure.

Policy Custodian

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research

Approval Authority

Academic Board

Date for next Major Review

01/10/2024

Version

Approval date

Implementation date

Details

Author

20-1

25/03/2020

26/03/2020

Procedure established to support the JCU Code for Responsible Conduct of Research

Manager, Research Grants, Ethics and Integrity – Research and Innovation Services

Keywords

research code, research misconduct, research breaches, research integrity, procedural fairness

Contact person

Director, Research and Innovation Services