Misconduct in Research

Michigan Tech strives to promote an atmosphere of honesty and integrity among its faculty, students, and staff, and requires all research to be carried out in a manner reflective of these principles. Misconduct in research is a matter of concern to the University, individual scientists, sponsors of research, and the general public.

"Misconduct" or "Misconduct in Research" means fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, deception, misrepresentation, arbitrary selection of data in proposing, performing, reviewing research, or reporting research results. It does not include honest error or honest difference in interpretations or judgments of data. All allegations of research misconduct undergo inquiry, investigation, and hearing phases as needed.

Whistleblower Protection Notification

The University has been awarded funding for research, student support, or other needs. In order to accept funding, employers must have in place procedures prohibiting retaliation against employees who make good faith reports of misconduct. The University already has such procedures, and will provide appropriate support to reporting employees to protect against retaliation and respond to concerns of retaliation or unfair treatment linked to the employee’s reporting.

Employees can report misconduct using the University's confidential reporting service (toll-free 1-844-490-0055). Or, anonymous reports may be made via a confidential Web link. In addition, you also have the option of reporting your concerns directly to the Office of Inspector General for the United States Department of Health and Human Services through the OIG Hotline. The choice of which reporting option(s) to use rests with the individual making the report.

A full description of your rights and remedies provided under the act can be found by clicking on the following link:

To ask research misconduct questions or report potential research misconduct, please contact Kathy Halvorsen at kehalvor@mtu.edu.