The University has a responsibility to investigate allegations of research misconduct fully and expeditiously. It also has a responsibility to protect researchers from malicious, mischievous, or frivolous allegations.
If you suspect a case of research misconduct, please, refer to the University's Code of of Conduct for Researchers and whistleblowers policy. Kindly note that the University's whistleblowers policy document covers all aspects of the University. Research misconduct should be reported using the process outined below.
No one reporting suspicions of research misconduct shall suffer any disadvantage or action for doing so. Anonymity is guaranteed and the University is wholly committed to the protection of all bona fide whistleblowers irrespective of their status and will regard any subsequent victimisation as a disciplinary offence. Where a whistleblower has a genuine concern about disclosing their own identity, a confidential approach may be made directly to the Mr Imtiaz Khan, who will then consider whether to refer the case on through the normal procedures.
Research misconduct may include any of the following, whether deliberate, reckless or negligent:
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Failure to obtain appropriate permission to conduct research.
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Deceptive research proposals.
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Unethical behaviour in the conduct of research.
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Unauthorised use of confidential information.
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Deviation from good research practice that causes unreasonable risk of harm to humans, other animals, or the environment.
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Fabrication, falsification, or corruption of research data.
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Distortion of research outcomes, through distortion or omission of data that do not fit expected results.
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Dishonest (i.e. deliberate) misinterpretation of results.
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Publication of data known or believed to be false or misleading.
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Plagiarism, or dishonest use of unacknowledged sources.
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Misquotation or misrepresentation of other authors’ work.
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Inappropriate attribution of authorship.
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Fraud or other misuse of research funds or equipment.
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Attempting, planning, or conspiring to be involved in research misconduct.
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Inciting others to be involved in research misconduct.
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Collusion in or concealment of research misconduct by others.
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Failure to comply with relevant legislation, including that relating to health and safety, data protection, intellectual property and animal experimentation.
The above list is not exhaustive and other misconduct specifically related to research activity may be dealt with under this procedure.
To report research misconduct:
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Download the Reporting of Research Misconduct form.
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Complete the form and attach supporting documentation (if any).
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Submit the form to Mr Imtiaz Khan (imtiaz.khan@mandela.ac.za) of the Office of Research Development.