Research misconduct is defined by the federal government as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results. 

• Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
• Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research method or result is not accurately represented in the research record. 
• Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit. Plagiarism does not encompass disagreements over order of authorship, rights to publish, or the use of ideas among collaborators.

Honest error or differences of opinion are not considered research misconduct.

Reporting Allegations

Allegations involving possible misconduct in research should be brought to the attention of the Vice President for Research and Economic Development 401-874-4576 or the Associate Vice President for Research Administration, 401-874-2636, as promptly as possible.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independently administered URI Ethics Hotline website or the toll-free hotline at 1-855-222-0764. Please note that there may be a time lag in reporting using this service.

Policies and Procedures

The URI Policy on Research Misconduct and the attendant procedures were developed to comply with federal regulations and to maintain and enhance the integrity of research.

• Research misconduct policy and guidance are located on The Research Resources page.

Misconduct Resources

• Scientific Misconduct Final Rule 42 CFR 93
• U.S. Health and Human Services – Handling Misconduct and Responsible Conduct of Research Educational Resources
• PHS Office of Research Integrity