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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

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Rules for safeguarding good academic practice and handling academic misconduct

In order to assume its responsibility in research and the directly related tasks in teaching and promoting young researchers, Heidelberg University has made legal provision for handling cases of academic misconduct.

Statute on the ombudsperson for doctoral students and their supervisors (DE)

In the case of conflicts arising from work on dissertations, doctoral students can turn to the independent ombudsperson, who will provide advice and mediation.

Senate Guideline on Fair Conduct

This guideline complements existing regulations concerning the protection of members of staff, such as the General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG) or the State University Law Landeshochschulgesetz, LHG).

Affiliation Policy

The policy provides for the statement of affiliation with Heidelberg University in connection with all publications of research results, in the field of transfer, with applications for third-party funding and for any form of external communication (e.g. presentations at conferences).

Statutes of the ethics commissions of the medical faculties (DE)

The ethics commissions assess ethical and legal aspects of medical research on human beings and advise those responsible.

Statutes of the ethics commission of the Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies (DE)

The ethics commission assesses proposed research project on people in terms of their ethical accountability.

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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.

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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.

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IP-Policy

One goal of academic research is to make its findings available to the whole of society for the common good. Accordingly, in addition to research and teaching, the exchange of knowledge and the responsible handling of intellectual property are among the core tasks of the university.

Dual-Use-Issue

Responsibility in Science

The “Commission on Responsibility in Science” supports the University’s members, governing bodies, institutes and facilities by advising them and assessing risks and ethical issues related to research with security relevance.

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