Ensuring Good Scientific Practice - Implementation of the DFG Code of Conduct
JLU Statutes, DFG Code of Conduct and their Significance for Science
To ensure good scientific practice and to deal with scientific misconduct, the University has issued the Statutes of Justus Liebig University Giessen on Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice dated July 14, 1999, as amended on January 13, 2023. JLU Giessen implements the "DFG Code of Conduct" with this new version of January 13, 2023.
Background
With the "DFG Code of Conduct" adopted at the DFG General Assembly in 2019, the DFG fundamentally revised its own memorandum on "Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice" published in 1998. The original memorandum was already aimed at further promoting honesty in science and establishing it as an integral part of research and teaching. The revision was prompted by a variety of changes in academic work, caused by the digital transformation and by developments both in publishing and in the structures of academic institutions and forms of cooperation. The aim of the Code of Conduct is to enable the addressees - academics and the management of universities and non-university research institutions - to align their internal structures, processes and actions with the guidelines for good academic practice. The updated JLU statutes transpose the 19 principles and explanations of the Code of Conduct into law. The aim is to establish a culture of research integrity in the scientific institutions that focuses less on violations of good scientific practice and more on the professional ethics of scientists.
The DFG Code of Conduct emphasizes integrity, transparency and accountability in all phases of research, from project planning to data collection and publication. It emphasizes the importance of good scientific practices, fair treatment of research results and respectful interaction with colleagues. Compliance with the DFG Code of Conduct strengthens trust in research and promotes the quality and credibility of scientific findings.
According to JLU's statutes, an independent ombudsperson and a "Standing Committee" must be elected by the Senate - at the suggestion of the President - and appointed by the President. In addition, members/former members and members/former members of JLU have the option of appealing to the supra-regional "Ombudsman for Science" committee set up by the DFG.
DFG Code of Conduct and Further Informations
DFG Portal 'Research Integrity'
JLU Statute for the Safeguarding of Good Scientific Practice
Image Sources: Image "Ombudspersons", Image "Standing Committee", Image: "Standing Committee on Security-Relevant Research", Image "Research Data Management", Image "Liaison Lecturers": Colourbox; Image: "Diversity and Equality": Lisa Dittrich; Image "Ethics Committees": Pexels