Definition overview
1 Definition
Breaches of the University Research Code of Conduct and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research occur on a spectrum, from minor (less serious) to major (more serious). Some major/serious breaches may be regarded as 'research misconduct'.
The University uses the definition recommended in the National Health and Medical Research Council Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research and defines Research Misconduct as a serious breach of the Code which is also intentional or reckless or negligent.
The use of the term Research Misconduct for serious breaches will be considered in the context of other institutional processes, Regardless of whether a Code investigation and an investigation done under an employment or student disciplinary agreement are separate or integrated, the University will take all reasonable steps to ensure that these do not conflict, or hinder the timely implementation of all corrective actions.
Research misconduct does not include honest differences in judgement. Unintentional errors do not usually constitute research misconduct unless they result from behaviour that is reckless or negligent.
Repeated or persistent breaches will likely constitute a serious breach, which will trigger consideration of Research Misconduct.
2 References
Australian Government. (2018). Guide to Managing and Investigating Potential Breaches of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research. Canberra, ACT: Australian Government, Retrieved from: https://nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/guide-managing-and-investigating-potential-breaches-code
3 Definition Information
| Approved Date | 21/6/2019 |
| Effective Date | 1/7/2019 |
| Record No | 15/348PL |