15.99.03.I1 Research Misconduct

Approved: October 16, 2013
Reviewed: May 15, 2017
October 16, 2018
October 3, 2023
Revised: December 4, 2025
Next Scheduled Review: December 4, 2030

Rule Statement

The credibility of academic research, scholarship and creative work depends on the integrity with which it is designed, conducted, documented and communicated. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) is responsible for promoting practices that encourage honesty and scientific integrity, and adopts this rule to address allegations or other indications of fraud or serious misconduct. TTI is committed to developing and maintaining ethical standards of research, scholarship and creative work and reporting abuse of those standards.

Reason for Rule

This rule implements The Texas A&M University System (System) Policy 15.99.03, Research Misconduct, which addresses allegations of misconduct in research and applies to both non-sponsored and sponsored activities, regardless of the funding source.

Procedures and Responsibilities

1. GENERAL

1.1 TTI’s research, scholarship, and creative work must be conducted under the highest standards of honesty and integrity, and all data, primary sources, procedures, and findings will be properly and thoroughly documented. TTI’s credibility and long-term reputation depend on the encouragement, enforcement, and reward of superior ethical standards and good stewardship of research funds. Achieving high ethical standards should transcend considerations of finance, personal gain, and short-term individual and institutional recognition.

1.2 All employees share the responsibility to promote and practice ethical conduct in research. Allegations of research misconduct can be sent to any Institutional Official. Additionally. allegations must promptly be reported to the Ethics and Compliance Office (ECO).

1.3 Confidentiality is an important component of research misconduct proceedings. Disclosure of information related to research misconduct will be limited, to the extent possible, to those who need to know to conduct a thorough, competent, objective, and fair review of the allegation.

1.4 Notifications related to the research misconduct allegation, including but not limited to System Offices and sponsor representatives will be coordinated through the ECO.

2. DUTIES OF THE RESEARCH INTEGRITY OFFICER (RIO), DECIDING OFFICIAL (DO), AND INSTITUTIONAL CERTIFYING OFFICIAL (ICO)

The duties of TTI’s RIO, DO, and ICO will include those duties specified in System Regulation 15.99.03, Research Misconduct. TTI’s Chief Research Officer will serve as the DO. TTI’s Chief Scientific Integrity Officer will serve as the RIO. TTI’s Chief Compliance Officer will serve as the Deputy RIO and ICO.

3. ASSESSMENT OF ALLEGATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT

Upon receiving an allegation of misconduct in research, scholarship, or creative work, the RIO or Deputy RIO will review and assess the allegation to determine whether:

  1. the allegation falls within the definition of misconduct in research;
  2. allegation is sufficiently credible and specific to warrant an inquiry.

The outcome of the assessment will be documented.

4. INQUIRIES OF ALLEGATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT

The RIO or Deputy RIO will facilitate the inquiry following the inquiry procedures established in System Regulation 15.99.03 including the appointment of an inquiry committee.

5. INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT

If the findings of the inquiry provide sufficient basis for conducting an investigation, one will be undertaken within 30 calendar days of the date the DO is notified of the need for an investigation. The inquiry committee will serve as the investigation committee. The RIO, Deputy RIO, and investigation committee will follow the procedures applicable to investigations described in System Regulation 15.99.03.

6. DECISIONS ON ALLEGATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT BY THE DECIDING OFFICIAL

Based on the preponderance of evidence, the DO’s final determination is whether to accept the investigation report, its findings, and the recommended institutional actions.

6.1 If the conclusion of an investigation is that the respondent did not commit research misconduct, TTI will develop a reasonable plan to restore the respondent’s reputation and research capabilities.

6.2 TTI will take reasonable steps to protect complainants who make an allegation of misconduct in research, scholarship, or creative work in good faith.

6.3 If it is determined that the complainant made allegations of research misconduct in bad faith, the complainant may be subject to disciplinary action.

6.4 The DO’s decision is final.

Related Statutes, Policies, or Requirements

Contact Office

TTI Ethics and Compliance
(979) 317-2730