K.1.2 Scientific Integrity

Division of Research

Initiated by: Director of Research
Approved by: MBL Director
Date: February 17, 1994
Revision:#4, May 6, 2020
Distribution: All scientific staff

1.0 Policy Statement:
The Marine Biological Laboratory deplores any action or conduct on the part of its staff or personnel or those engaged in MBL-sponsored activities that compromises scientific integrity. Specifically, a compromise of scientific integrity—also referred to as “misconduct in science”— means fabrication or falsification of data or other documentation, plagiarism, or other unethical practices that seriously deviate from those practices that are commonly accepted within the scientific community for proposing, conducting or reporting research. Honest error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data do not constitute a compromise of scientific integrity. Both a compromise of scientific integrity and any retaliation by individuals or institutions against a person who reports or provides information in good faith about suspected or alleged misconduct will be considered scientific misconduct under this policy.

These policies and procedures apply to all research (both publicly and privately funded) conducted at or supported by the MBL. Although MBL cannot assume full responsibility for scientists with primary affiliations at other institutions, it will notify and assist the responsible institutions in matters related to this policy.

2.0 Scientific Misconduct

2.1 Suspicions of scientific misconduct (whether from MBL personnel or from others, including granting agencies) should be reported to the Director of Research, who will immediately initiate an inquiry to determine whether the facts warrant a formal investigation. If suspicions of misconduct involve the Director of Research, reports will be directed to the Director of the MBL. Inquiries will be conducted by a small committee appointed by the Director of Research or the Director of the MBL, which will include individuals with the necessary and appropriate expertise to address the circumstances.

2.2 In this inquiry, as well as in following investigation(s), every effort will be taken to respect and protect confidentiality in order to prevent possible damage to the reputation(s) of innocent individual(s), and to avoid intrusion into individual privacy; every effort will be made to protect the privacy of those who in good faith report apparent scientific misconduct, and to afford the accused individual(s) confidential treatment with a prompt and thorough investigation, and an opportunity to comment on allegations and findings of the inquiry and of any subsequent investigation. Anonymous allegations will be accepted and may be pursued, as long as sufficient information is provided to permit initiation of an inquiry.

2.3 The MBL’s inquiry will be completed within sixty (60) calendar days of its initiation unless circumstances clearly warrant a longer period, in which case those circumstances shall be clearly documented. Detailed documentation and reports from the inquiry will be maintained in a secure area for at least three (3) years, including evidence reviewed, interview summaries, and the conclusions of the inquiry. A copy of the report of the inquiry will be given to the individual(s) against whom the allegation was made, and their comments, if any, will be made part of the record.

2.4 If the inquiry committee decides that grounds exist for suspecting that scientific misconduct has taken place, the Director of Research will inform the Director of the MBL, who will appoint a second committee responsible for a formal investigation of the allegations. Precautions will be taken against real or apparent conflicts of interest on the part of those involved in any inquiry or investigation.

2.5 The formal investigation will begin within thirty (30) days of the completion of the inquiry and will include examination of documentation, including but not necessarily limited to relevant research data and proposals, publications, correspondence, and memoranda or telephone calls. Interviews should be conducted, as far as possible, with all individuals involved either in making the allegation or against whom the allegation is made, as well as with other individuals who might have information regarding key aspects of the allegations. Complete summaries of these interviews will be prepared, provided to the interviewed party for comment or revision, and be included as part of the investigation file.

2.6 The investigation will be completed, and a written report of the findings will be presented to the Director within 120 calendar days of the initiation of the formal inquiry, unless circumstances clearly warrant a longer period. The report of both committees and the investigation file shall be maintained by the Director in a secure area for at least three (3) years. A copy of the report of the investigation will be given to the individual(s) against whom the allegation was made, and their comments, if any, will be made a part of the record.

2.7 During and subsequent to the formal inquiry and investigation process, the Director is responsible for:

2.7.1 Requisite and appropriate reporting to funding agencies and to other institutions that may be required, as promulgated in 42 CFR Part 50 [esp. 42 CFR Part 50.104 (a)(4)], 45 CFR 689, and specific agency guidelines, which requirements are incorporated herein by reference;
2.7.2 Undertaking diligent efforts, as appropriate, to restore the reputation(s) of the person(s) alleged to have engaged in misconduct when allegations are not confirmed;
2.7.3 The protection of the position(s) and reputation(s) of the person(s) who, in good faith, made the allegations;
2.7.4 Imposition of appropriate sanctions on the individual(s) for whom the allegation of misconduct has been substantiated;
2.7.5 Imposition of appropriate sanctions on the individual(s) shown to have knowingly made false charges of scientific misconduct;
2.7.6 Taking appropriate administrative actions to protect federal funds and ensure that the purposes of the federal financial assistance are being carried out.

2.8 These policies and procedures apply to all research (both publicly and privately funded) conducted at or supported by the MBL. Although MBL cannot assume full responsibility for scientists with primary affiliations at other institutions, it will notify and assist the responsible institutions in matters related to this policy.

3.0 Data Handling
The MBL policy on data handling applies to all MBL employees and to all other scientists receiving funding from the MBL through public or privately funded grants including internal MBL support.

3.1 Records of unpublished results shall be retained for at least five (5) years.  All records of research that result in a scientific publication shall be retained at least five (5) years after the report appears.

3.2 All records of research are the property of the MBL and shall be available at all times for inspection by duly authorized representatives of the MBL and/or funding agencies.

3.3 After publication and consistent with the maintenance of intellectual property rights, MBL investigators will share with other researchers, at the appropriate incremental cost, the samples, physical collections and other supporting materials created or gathered in the course of the work.

3.4 Any investigator who, upon leaving the MBL, wishes to retain research data obtained at the MBL, will be required to sign a statement acknowledging the MBL’s data accessibility requirements. The full text of the statement is given on a form for this purpose appended to this policy.

4.0 Policy Clarification and Updates
Policy clarification and updates are available from the Office of Research Administration.