What to do if you have concerns about research conduct

Concerns about research conduct may arise from a misunderstanding which can be resolved by an informal discussion locally. Where concerns have not been resolved locally, or the concern is potentially serious, The Open University has a formal research misconduct allegations investigation procedure.

If you are worried about something relating to the way research is being carried out at The Open University (OU), it is important to raise your concerns as soon as possible.

The Open University is committed to supporting colleagues who express concerns. Concerns raised in good faith will always be taken seriously and considered fairly.

Colleagues and individuals outside of The Open University, including members of the public, who have concerns about the conduct of OU research should contact the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation.

We ask you to:

provide a summary of your concern
relate your concern to a specific type of research misconduct contained in the Definitions section of the procedure, where possible
provide supporting detail explaining why you think research misconduct may have taken place
enclose any evidence support your concern.

If you have multiple concerns, please try to include them in a single submission on a single occasion. This helps us to make a thorough initial assessment of your concerns and reduces procedural challenges that can arise if you raise further concerns at a later stage of the procedure.

If you have reasonable suspicions about irregularities in the running of the University or of the activities of colleagues, the whistleblowing mailbox may also be used. For advice on when use of this mailbox may be appropriate, please read the whistleblowing policy.

The Research Misconduct Allegations - Investigation Procedure sets out the process for dealing with allegations that the standards set out in the Research Code of Practice have not been maintained.

The Whistleblowing Policy sets out the process for reporting reasonable suspicions about irregularities in the running of The Open University or the activities of colleagues.