"The constitutionally guaranteed freedom of science is inextricably linked to a corresponding responsibility. Taking this responsibility fully into account and anchoring it as a guideline for one's own actions is, first and foremost, the task of every scientist and of those institutions in which science is produced. The Science itself guarantees good scientific practice through honest thinking and acting, not least through organizational and procedural regulations." - German Research Foundation, Codex

The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen attaches great importance to ensuring good scientific practice. The focus is on a culture of scientific integrity as an essential factor in the professional ethics of researchers. The university has this commitment in its Principles for ensuring good scientific practice which are legally binding for all persons who carry out research or support research in the area of ​​the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen . 

Ombudspersons at the THM

Term of office: June 7, 2023 to June 6, 2027

The ombudspersons are the neutral and qualified central contact persons for members and affiliates of the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen in all questions of good scientific practices and (suspected) scientific misconduct (suspected cases of scientific misconduct). As far as possible, they contribute to solution-oriented conflict mediation. If the ombudsperson comes to the conclusion that there are sufficiently concrete suspicions, he or she applies to the investigative commission for a preliminary examination.

In addition to the THM ombudspersons, all members and affiliates of the university can contact the supra-regional ombuds committee "in matters of good scientific practice, but also suspected scientific misconduct."Ombudsman committee for scientific integrity in Germany" turn around.

Commission of Inquiry

Term of office: June 7, 2023 to June 6, 2027

The investigative commission deals with sufficiently specific suspicions of scientific misconduct. If, in the eyes of the investigative committee, there is no sufficient suspicion of prosecutable scientific misconduct, it will terminate the proceedings. If there is sufficient suspicion, it will initiate a formal investigation and, in accordance with the rules of free assessment of evidence, examine whether scientific misconduct has been proven to its conviction. The investigative committee presents the results of the formal investigation to the university management together with recommendations for sanctions. This decides at its best discretion whether the accused person is found to have committed scientific misconduct and whether and what sanctions and measures will be imposed on him or her.

German Research Foundation

• DFG: Code "Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice" (scientific integrity)
• DFG: Good scientific practice
• Ombudsman for Science (appointed by the DFG)