Research Misconduct

The University of Notre Dame strives to cultivate an atmosphere of honesty and trust in which the pursuit of knowledge can occur. Integrity of research forms the foundation of respect among scholars and students and between the academic world and the public. All members of the University community share responsibility for maintaining this climate of trust and integrity. Research Misconduct (which is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism) detracts from this climate of trust and integrity. 

To review the full University of Notre Dame Policy Governing Misconduct in Research, please visit policy.nd.edu or download the Research Misconduct Policy.

Research Integrity Officer

The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) is appointed by and reports directly to the Vice President for Research. The RIO has primary responsibility for overseeing this policy, implementing the procedures associated with this policy, and ensuring that necessary and appropriate expertise is secured to carry out a thorough and authoritative evaluation of the relevant evidence in an inquiry or investigation.

Ed Maginn, Associate Vice President for Research and Keough-Hesburgh Professor of Engineering, serves as the Research Integrity Officer for the University.

Reporting Research Misconduct

It is the explicit duty of all members of the faculty, staff, student body, or other individuals associated with the University of Notre Dame to report observed, suspected, or apparent Research Misconduct to the Vice President for Research or to a Dean of a College or School.

If an individual is unsure whether a suspected incident falls within the definition of Research Misconduct, he or she may contact the individuals listed below to discuss the suspected misconduct informally. Allegations that do not appear to constitute Research Misconduct, but that may implicate another University policy, shall be referred to the appropriate division of the University. 

If a complainant wishes to make an anonymous complaint, they may contact Notre Dame’s Integrity Line at 1-800-688-9918. 

Important Contact Details

Research Integrity Officer: Ed Maginn

Director of Research Compliance: Eric Felde

John and Catherine Martin Family Vice President for Research: Jeff Rhoads

Need More Information?

For more information on the Policy Governing Misconduct in Research, please contact compliance@nd.edu.