Regents' Policy Manual - Section 5.13: Research Fraud

Adopted Date: 09-12-1996
Amended: 10-10-1996

Applicability

This policy applies to anyone at the University of New Mexico involved in sponsored or unsponsored research.

Policy

Integrity, trust, and respect are important elements in an academic research environment. Investigators typically conduct research and explain findings and theories with painstaking diligence, precision, and responsibility. However, a growing number of cases involving research fraud threatens to both erode the public trust and cast doubt on the credibility of all researchers.

Because the University of New Mexico as well as the general public and government are affected by this issue, the University has decided to take steps to deal with research fraud if it arises and to ensure the credibility and objectivity of research activities. These steps are, in broad terms, to:

1. Ensure that ethical standards for research at UNM are clearly understood and applied.

2. Promptly inquire into allegations of fraud and, where appropriate, initiate formal investigations and advise sponsors of action taken.

3. Ensure that each investigation is properly documented to support findings and carefully conducted to protect any person whose reputation may be placed at risk during the process.

The policy and procedures regarding research fraud are intended to protect the integrity of the University's research enterprise and not hinder the search for truth or interfere with academic freedom.

Implementation

Detailed procedures implementing this Policy were adopted by the Board of Regents in the form of The UNM Research Fraud Policy on October 10, 1996, following approval by the Faculty Senate on September 10, 1996. The 1996 UNM Research Fraud Policy will be published in the Faculty Handbook. Copies are available in the offices of the Associate Provost for Research, the Office of Research Services, and the Office of the University Secretary.