Addressing allegations of Research Misconduct

Maintaining high ethical and scientific standards in research is essential to UCT’s mission. The Policy for Breach of Research Ethics Codes and Allegations of Misconduct in Research, provides a clear framework for addressing allegations of research misconduct or questionable research practices with fairness, transparency, and due diligence, ensuring the integrity of research and protecting the rights of all involved.

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) is responsible for

Supporting the implementation of the UCT Policy for Breach of Research Ethics Codes and Allegations of Misconduct in Research.
Providing training on the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), including modules on integrity, misconduct, authorship, and human participant research.
Offering confidential guidance on research integrity matters.
Receiving and logging formal complaints via the Research Misconduct Complaint Form.
Accepting reports of concerns or potential cases of misconduct submitted directly via the ORI email, where they are handled with strict confidentiality and sensitivity.
Coordinating the misconduct process and ensuring procedural fairness.
Supporting Faculty-Research Integrity Advisors (F-RIAs) through training and resources.
Promoting a culture of research integrity across UCT.

Importantly, the ORI does not directly investigate complaints or issue findings. These responsibilities lie with the Preliminary Informal Enquiry (PIE) Committee and, if required, the Special Investigation Committee (SIC), under the oversight of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Internationalisation.

How allegations of research misconduct are managed

If you are internal to UCT, start with your Faculty-Research Integrity Advisor (F-RIA): They are your first point of contact. F-RIAs provide confidential advice, explain your options, and help you decide the best way forward (which may include lodging a complaint in step 2).
If you are external to UCT, start here: Lodge a formal complaint (if needed): If the concern cannot be resolved informally, you may submit the official Research Misconduct Complaint Form.
Preliminary Informal Enquiry (PIE): A PIE sub-committee reviews the complaint to decide whether it should move forward. This ensures that concerns are taken seriously without unnecessary escalation.
Special Investigation Committee (SIC): If there is prima facie evidence of wrongdoing, it is referred to a SIC for a formal, in-depth investigation.
Outcome: Depending on the findings, the resolution may involve corrective action, additional training, disciplinary measures, or clearing the respondent of wrongdoing.

What makes this process fair?

Transparent two-stage investigation: The PIE and SIC provide a structured, step-by-step approach to ensure fairness and thorough review.
Protection of rights and integrity: Confidentiality, independent decision-making, and clear procedures safeguard everyone involved.
Faculty-based support: F-RIAs make the process accessible within faculties, ensuring local guidance while maintaining consistency with UCT’s policies.

Submit an allegation of research misconduct using this complaint form.

Contact the Office of Research Integrity

research.misconduct@uct.ac.za

You can email the Office of Research Integrity directly for confidential advice and support. Your message will be received by the designated Research Integrity Coordinator: Investigations ensuring a trusted and confidential point of contact.

What you need to do

Familiarise yourself with the key policies and documents:

Engage with your Faculty-Research Integrity Advisors (F-RIAs) when you need confidential advice or guidance. F-RIAs are your first point of contact within your faculty.

Refer to your Faculty Guidelines for faculty-specific processes, contact details, and discipline-specific guidance. These complement UCT’s central policies but cannot override them.