What happens when a faculty member falsifies data, plagiarizes, or otherwise compromises the integrity of his or her research? Improprieties are reported to the department chair, who initiates a preliminary investigation with the aid of one or two colleagues. Within thirty days, the department chair sends a report to the dean or director of the unit summarizing the evidence. If the evidence supports the allegations, an ad hoc investigative committee performs a formal investigation. At its discretion, the investigative committee schedules a hearing, at which the accused has an opportunity to defend him- or herself. Within ninety days of the start of the formal investigation, a verdict is sent to the dean. If the faculty member is found guilty, the dean notifies any grant-sponsoring agencies affiliated with the research and any publishers of pending or previously published work. Further possible sanctions include a letter of reprimand or termination.

Emory University’s “Policies and Procedures for Investigation of Misconduct in Research” is
available online at www.ott.emory.edu/share/policies/
misconduct.html.