The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) plays a crucial role in upholding the integrity and credibility of scientific research through conducting investigations into allegations of research misconduct. These investigations are meticulously undertaken to ensure adherence to ethical standards and to safeguard the validity of research outcomes. The ORI’s team reviews evidence, interviews involved parties, and assess data to determine whether any breaches in research ethics have occurred. Through rigorous and impartial approach, ORI contributes significantly to maintaining the trustworthiness of the scientific community, fostering transparency, and promoting the highest standards of scholarly integrity.
For more information on research misconduct investigations, see BSU’s Policy for Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct.
What is Research Misconduct?
Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research or in reporting research results.
- Fabrication: Making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
- Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes; or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.
- Plagiarism: The appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
Note: Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.
What do I do if I know about Research Misconduct?
All Ball State faculty, staff, and students have an obligation to report any Research Misconduct they know about. Research Misconduct can be reported to Stephanie Simon-Dack, our Research Integrity Officer (RIO), in person (WQ100D), over the phone (765-285-8856), or via e-mail (View Email).
You can also make an anonymous report via EthicsPoint.