Research Misconduct

Research misconduct comprises intentional or reckless fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, conducting, or reporting research. Formally defined by U.S. federal policy (42 CFR Part 93, Office of Research Integrity), misconduct is distinguished from honest error, negligence, and good-faith disagreements about research methods or interpretation. Misconduct undermines scientific integrity, harms subjects and institutions, wastes research resources, and erodes public trust in science. Allegations are investigated formally with due process; proven misconduct results in sanctions ranging from publication correction to career-ending bans.