Learn about the expectations, policies, and requirements related to research misconduct.
NIH expects that researchers, trainees, administrators NIH staff and everybody else involved in research will promote research integrity in fulfillment of NIH's research mission. WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INTEGRITY OF THE RESEARCH ENTERPRISE.
For Recipient Institutions and Scientific Administrators
- Comply with Public Health Service Policies on Research Misconduct
- For allegations received between January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026:
- Institutions are expected to comply with the 2005 rule. Institutions may, however, elect to comply with the 2025 Final Rule if both the institution and respondent elects in writing to do so.
- For allegations received after January 1, 2026:
- Institutions must comply with the 2025 ORI Final Rule
- Have written policies and procedures for addressing allegations of research misconduct
- Clearly annunciate policies, standards and expectations for researchers and staff
- Provide education and support to researchers of all career stages to promote responsible conduct of research (RCR)
For Researchers
- Endeavor to uphold the shared values in your work and in your conduct
- Adhere to good scientific practices (like keeping good scientific records) & ensure scientific rigor
- Set positive examples for early career researchers by providing meaningful guidance for conduct and standards expected of scientists
- Correct aberrant behavior
- Know and uphold the shared values in scientific research as well as your institution's policies, standards and expectations for research
For Members of the Public
- Expect integrity of federally-funded research
- Report suspected research misconduct