Rules and Guidelines Good Academic Practice
It is the declared aim of Heidelberg University to preserve and promote an atmosphere of openness, creativity and achievement. A university culture based on partnership and fair competition forms the foundation of successful work in teaching, research and administration. At the same time, it is an important factor for the prevention of academic misconduct.
Besides existing laws, a series of mission statements, guidelines and principles have been developed at Heidelberg University, adapted to the specific situations and the respective departments or institutions and drawn up in close coordination with them. In assuming its responsibility, the university has taken particular precautions against academic misconduct, and will follow up any actual case of suspicion.
Dealing with misconduct in science
Heidelberg University is responsible for research and directly associated teaching tasks as well as for the support of young researchers. The rector’s office has a standing commission to investigate allegations of academic misconduct.
In the event of such an allegation, the Senate-appointed ombudsmen or the chair of the commission serve as the initial point of contact. The commission clarifies the facts of the case in detail, evaluates them and takes any necessary measures (e.g., correction order to violator, information regarding publisher, etc.) To the extent the commission deems relevant legal measures necessary, it submits a recommendation to the rectorate of the university.
The specific rules regarding misconduct in programme services or examinations are cited in the examination regulations for each degree or study programme or the applicable doctoral regulations. In addition, there is a university-wide honesty code for study programmes and examinations.
Policies and Guidelines
Table
Links
Research Data Policy
The availability of research data guarantees the traceability and verifiability of research results and is thus a central aspect of good scientific practice. Heidelberg University has therefore established guidelines for a research data policy and the management of research data.
Open Access Policy
Spreading knowledge about mankind and the world through research and teaching is one of the underlying principles of Heidelberg University. The university's mission statement asserts its aim to make this knowledge extensively available and to pass it on to following generations.
Links
- German U15 statement
Principles for safeguarding good scientific practice in doctoral degree procedures (DE)
- Position paper of the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts, Baden-Württemberg
Quality assurance in the doctoral procedure (DE)
- German Research Foundation (DFG)
Principles for safeguarding good scientific practice (DE)