Ombudsman system and dealing with scientific misconduct

The ombudspersons advise and support members of the OVGU as neutral and qualified contact persons in questions of good scientific practice and in cases of suspected scientific misconduct. In accordance with our statutes for safeguarding good scientific practice, OVGU has appointed ombudspersons from all four subject areas represented at our university, and ombudsperson activities are strictly confidential. The primary task of ombudspersons is to clarify and resolve conflicts.

As an alternative to the OVGU ombudspersons, anyone with a connection to the German academic system can also contact the national Ombuds Committee for Research Integrity in Germany. However, it should be noted that several ombudspersons cannot be involved in the same matter (simultaneously or consecutively). The Research Integrity Office will be happy to advise you on your options in advance.

The Commission for Dealing with Academic Misconduct (KWF) is an interdisciplinary body set up by the Rectorate, which meets on the initiative of the ombudspersons for suspected cases of academic misconduct. The committee examines suspected cases and draws up proposals for consequences if a suspicion is confirmed.

The procedures for the ombudsman system and for dealing with scientific misconduct can be found in the OVGU Magdeburg statutes for safeguarding good scientific practice from § 19 onwards. Further information and explanations on the procedure in conflicts of good scientific practice can also be found in the DFG's Process Guideline for Good Research Practice (available in German only).