Scientific integrity guides the practical application of the values and ethical principles that are relevant to research. The rules therefore need to reflect the diversity of practices, and they are constantly adapting to changes with research methods and tools.
For example, the development of new practices in data-sharing and access to publications raises questions about the requirements to be met if data is to be reused with integrity. Similarly, open access to scientific publications raises questions about scientists’ new responsibilities in terms of how they describe their results and communicate with the media.
Inserm's Research Integrity Office (RIO)
Inserm’s RIO was set up in 1999.
Its main missions are to :
- Advise on, inform about and train in the rules of integrity; suggest measures to promote good practices and participate in relevant national and international initiatives in the field of scientific integrity,
- Collect and process reports relating to scientific integrity involving Inserm staff or other people working in its laboratories.
All the RIO’s actions are carried out by way of a balanced exploration of the information collected, in strict compliance with the principles of confidentiality and on the assumption of the good faith of the individuals involved.
The rules governing the Delegation’s activities are set out in the “Guidebook for collecting and processing reports relating to scientific integrity“.
Ghislaine Filliatreau, Research Integrity Officer
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RIO services in practice
Advice
Working systematically on a confidential basis, the RIO can advise you on how to react to difficulties regarding relationships or methodologies that you feel may be of concern for the quality and integrity of ongoing research, whether or not you are directly involved in conducting it.
Mediation / conciliation
The rules of scientific integrity provide a flexible framework that, via mediation, can be used to resolve disputes, for example regarding the sharing of resources, the order of signatures on articles, or the content of a manuscript to be submitted etc.
Investigation
The aim of the investigation decided by the delegation following a referral is to establish the facts constituting possible breaches of scientific integrity, particularly if there is a suspicion of “fabrication, falsification or plagiarism”. Inserm acts as the employer of the people concerned, since an instruction may have disciplinary consequences.
In the event of an investigation, the RIO takes two types of problem into account :
- Fraud, which includes the fabrication, falsification and plagiarism (FFP) of data ; these are considered as serious because they distort research results and raise questions regarding possible intentionality ;
- Questionable research practices (QRP), which include the embellishment of images, the selective choice or omission of data, conflicts between people who have contributed to joint research projects, etc. They cover a broad spectrum of actions, where intentionality is variable but which, in all events, harm the quality of the research.
How can I contact the RIO ?
You can contact the RIO via the scientific integrity pages on the Inserm website : https://www.inserm.fr/integrite/votre-interlocuteur-delegation-integrite-scientifique-dis/
Your exchanges with us are confidential. If you would like to get in touch, please send an e-mail to the Research Integrity Officer.
