Ombuds Office for Good Research Practice
The Ombuds Office is an advisory body that provides independent, cross-faculty assistance to all university members and affiliates on issues related to good scientific practice. The Ombuds Office is headed by Dr. Katharina Beier.The advice provided by the Ombuds Office is strictly confidential. In addition to preventive questions on the specific implementation of standards of good scientific practice, the Ombuds Office also advises on GSP-related conflicts (e.g., data use, authorship, etc.).
At the request of a person seeking advice, the Ombuds Office establishes contact with an ombudsperson. It is discussed with the ombudsperson whether the concern can be clarified in the context of a consultation or whether – because there is a suspicion of scientific misconduct – an investigation by the three ombudspersons (who form the ombudsperson board) should take place. The decision on this lies solely with the person seeking advice. Neither the Ombuds Office nor the ombudspersons will initiate action without the consent of the advice-seeker.
The Ombuds Office published a short information sheet specifically for doctoral students in 2022.
Further information from the GGG on ensuring good scientific practice can also be found online.