Research Integrity
WesternU’s Research Integrity
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) is dedicated to fostering a research environment that promotes adherence to the highest ethical standards in conducting research while encouraging innovation and productivity.
Research Misconduct undermines the credibility not only of those directly involved, but also of the entire academic community. It represents a significant breach of trust between faculty, staff, and the institution.
To safeguard research integrity, every individual involved in research, including faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians, must maintain a permanent, auditable record of all experimental protocols, data, and findings. Additionally, co-authors on research reports and publications must play a genuine role in the research and take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the reported work.
Research Integrity Oversight
WesternU’s Roles and Responsibilities
Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) holds primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, and investigation of research misconduct. This is achieved through the diligence of all administrative officials. The funding agencies require the University to actively ensure the integrity of research, protect the rights of research subjects and the public, and adhere to legal requirements related to research funding.
Principal investigators (PIs) have the primary responsibility for designing, implementing, and managing the research projects they oversee. They must ensure that standards of professional and ethical conduct are upheld throughout all phases of their projects. Additionally, they are tasked with the effective management of their resources.
WesternU defines Research Misconduct as:
• Fabrication, Falsification, or Plagiarism in proposing, performing, reviewing, or
reporting of Research data;
• Violations of applicable law (including but not limited to federal, state or local
regulations);
• Failure to comply with requirements for the protection of human or animal
subjects or the public; see also (IACUC Protocol Noncompliance, IRB Manual (
Section 4.12 Non-compliance))
- Examples include, but are not limited to (refer to the related polices linked within the Research Misconduct Policy
for a comprehensive list):
▪ Conducting Research that is not ethical.
▪ Conducting Research activities (initial or modifications to an
approved protocol) without prior approval from the relevant
Research Regulatory Committee
▪ Continuing Research-related activities beyond the protocol
expiration date.
▪ Conducting research-related activities by individuals not listed on an approved protocol for that activity
▪ Failure to appropriately obtain informed consent/assent
▪ Fabricating or falsifying clinical and/or basic science research data.
▪ Failing to obtain or falsely attesting to having obtained IRB, IACUC, IBC or other research-related oversight as required by both WesternU and any external institution at which research is conducted under the applicable regulations.
• Misappropriation of the University’s and/or sponsors’ property or resources
• Violation of University’s rules or policies governing Research or sponsors’ rules or regulations related to Research.
• Failure to follow financial disclosure regulations as required under WesternU Conflict of Interest policies
Anonymous Report
All individuals who observe or suspect research misconduct (or non-compliance) should report it to the Senior Vice President for Research and Biotechnology (SVPR). The SVPR will then engage the designated Research Integrity Officer (RIO) to initiate the inquiry into the allegation. A report may be submitted anonymously by clicking the Anonymous Report button.
Research Integrity Resources
Education in the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
RCR is defined as “the practice of scientific investigation with integrity.” It involves the awareness and application of established professional norms and ethical principles in the performance of all activities related to scientific research. Projects funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) have specific requirements regarding training in RCR.
WesternU utilizes CITI for the responsible conduct of research training. Contact ORRA to register for CITI.
For WesternU’s policy and guidance on reporting and investigation procedures and definitions, please refer to the Western University of Health Sciences Research Misconduct Policy
Designated Research Integrity Officer
Jennifer Baker, CCEP, CHRC
Office 909-469-5606
Email: jbaker@westernu.edu