“Advances in science, engineering, and all fields of research depend on the reliability of the research record, as do the benefits associated with them in areas such as health and national security. Sustained public trust in the research enterprise also requires confidence in the research record and in the processes involved in its ongoing development.” (Notice of Final Policy in the Federal Record from the Office of Science and Technology Policy in the Executive Office of the President, December 6, 2000)
As an institution of higher education, we have a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of research on our campus. In addition, as an institution that receives Public, Health, and Safety (PHS) funding we “have an affirmative duty to protect PHS funds from misuse by ensuring the integrity of all PHS supported work, and primary responsibility for responding to and reporting allegations of research misconduct, as provided in this part.” (42 CFR 93.100)
As defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (42 CFR 93.103) research misconduct means the fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.
(a) Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
(b) Falsification is 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.
(c) Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
(d) Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.
A finding of research misconduct made under this part (42 CFR 93.104) requires that –
(a) There be a significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community; and
(b) The misconduct be committed intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly; and
(c) The allegation be proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
UA Little Rock Research Misconduct Policy (Revised 6/28/2024)
UA Little Rock’s Research Integrity Officer is Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter. She can be reached via email at [email protected] or via phone at 501-916-6026.
The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) is appointed by the Chancellor and has primary responsibility for implementation of the procedures associated with Research Misconduct. The RIO will be a University of Arkansas at Little Rock official who is well qualified to handle the procedural requirements involved and is sensitive to the varied demands made on those who conduct scholarly activities, those who are accused of misconduct, and those who report apparent misconduct in good faith.
Research misconduct can be reported directly to any of the following parties:
Office of Research Compliance
Dr. Melody Muldrow, [email protected], 501-916-6209
Research Integrity Officer
Dr. April Chatham-Carpenter, [email protected], 501-916-6026
Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School
Dr. Brian Berry, [email protected], 501-916-6215