"The constitutionally guaranteed freedom of science is inextricably linked to a corresponding responsibility. It is primarily the task of every scientist and of the institutions in which science is conducted to fully embrace this responsibility and to enshrine it as a guiding principle for their own actions. Science itself ensures good scientific practice through honest thinking and action, not least through organizational and procedural regulations." - German Research Foundation, Code of Conduct

The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen places the highest value on ensuring good scientific practice. A culture of scientific integrity is paramount as an essential element of the researchers' professional ethics. The university has enshrined this commitment in its principles for ensuring good scientific practice , which are legally binding for all persons engaged in research or research support activities Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen

Ombudspersons at 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 regarding all matters of good scientific practice and (suspected) scientific misconduct (cases of suspected scientific misconduct). They contribute, to the extent possible, to solution-oriented conflict resolution. If the ombudsperson concludes that there are sufficiently concrete grounds for suspicion, they request a preliminary investigation from the investigative committee.

All members and affiliates of the university can contact the THM as well as the supra-regional ombuds committee " Ombuds Committee for Scientific Integrity in Germany " regarding questions of good scientific practice, but also regarding suspected scientific misconduct.

Investigative committee

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

The investigative committee addresses sufficiently substantiated suspicions of scientific misconduct. If, in the committee's view, there is no sufficient suspicion of prosecutable scientific misconduct, it terminates the proceedings. If there is sufficient suspicion, it initiates a formal investigation and examines, according to the principles of free evaluation of evidence, whether scientific misconduct has been proven to its satisfaction. The investigative committee submits the results of the formal investigation, along with recommendations for sanctions, to the university administration. The administration decides, at its own discretion, whether scientific misconduct has been established against the accused individual and whether, and if so, what sanctions and measures will be imposed.

German Research Foundation

• DFG: Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice” (Scientific Integrity)
• DFG: Good scientific practice
• Ombudsman for Science (appointed by the DFG)