Reporting Alleged Research Misconduct

What is Research Misconduct?

Research Misconduct means:

a) The knowing fabrication, falsification, or manipulation by a researcher of data or information;

b) The knowing theft by a researcher of data, materials, or information, including but not limited to plagiarism;

Implicit in this definition of misconduct is that a preponderance of the evidence proves that fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism; theft; non-compliance with legal requirements; or disregard of associate conduct was committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly, and not merely carelessly.

What should be reported?

All members of the USM community should report observed, suspected, or apparent research misconduct to the Research Integrity Officer (RIO).

What if I am unsure if it is actually Research Misconduct?

If you are unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of research misconduct you can contact the RIO to discuss it hypothetically.

Who should I report to?

Please contact the RIO at the Office of Research Integrity and Outreach (ORIO) the contact information for which is:

Ross Hickey, JD, CIP, CPIA
Assistant Provost for Research Integrity
126 Bedford Street, Portland Campus
Contact Information
Phone: (207) 780-4340
Email: ross.hickey@maine.edu

At any time, a USM community member may have confidential discussions and consultations about concerns of possible misconduct with the RIO and will be counseled about appropriate procedures for reporting allegations.

What if I don’t want to be identified?

You have several options for discussing the suspected research misconduct, including discussing it anonymously and/or hypothetically.

If you wish to report the information anonymously:

1) one option is to create a new e-mail account, such as Yahoo or Juno, using pseudonyms and e-mailing the RIO directly at ross.hickey@maine.edu, or

2) an alternative method is to send us a comment via our website without providing your name or contact information and with the subject “Research Misconduct,” or

3) Fill in the text box below and submit.

	(There is room for 1,000 characters/spaces)

What happens if it is not Research Misconduct?

If the circumstances described by the individual do not meet the definition of research misconduct, the RIO can still refer the individual or allegation to other offices or officials with responsibility for resolving the problem.