Ombuds Office for
Good Scientific Practice at the University of Innsbruck
Purpose of the Ombuds Office
The University of Innsbruck is committed to all basic principles of sound scientific work as well as the standards for good scientific practice, as formulated in the Guidelines of the Austrian Agency for Research Integrity. Scientists and researchers are responsible for complying with these guidelines.
In cases of suspected breach of good scientific practice, the University of Innsbruck has established formal procedures that are initiated by filing a complaint with the Vice-Rector for Research (for researchers) or the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Teaching (for scientific theses).
Independent of these formal investigation procedures, an ombuds office is available to all scientists and researchers at the University of Innsbruck for easily accessible counselling and conflict mediation concerning questions of good scientific practice and in suspected cases of scientific misconduct.
Tasks and Activities of the Ombuds Office
The Ombuds Office of the University of Innsbruck acts as a trust and information centre for
- persons suspected of having violated good scientific practice,
- informants, and
- members of the University of Innsbruck who want to inform themselves about good scientific practice.
The Ombuds Office acts neutrally, is not bound by instructions, and is independent of the responsible Rector’s Offices at the University. All enquiries are treated confidentially. Suspected cases of scientific misconduct are only forwarded to the formally responsible Vice Rector’s Offices in particularly justified and serious exceptional cases.
The Ombuds Office provides neutral and qualified advice on questions of good scientific practice and can also mediate in a solution-oriented manner if the conflict parties agree. You can contact the Ombuds Office anonymously and confidentially. Furthermore, any person affected by (suspected) scientific misconduct may optionally turn to the Commission for Scientific Integrity of the.
Where can students turn to?
Ombuds Office for Students of the ÖH (https://hochschulombudsmann.at/)
Where can graduates of the University of Innsbruck who are not employed by the university turn to?
Zentraler Rechtsdienst of the University (https://www.uibk.ac.at/zentraler-rechtsdienst/)
Where can you turn to if you are primarily concerned with conflicts under labor law or discrimination?
Betriebsrat (https://www.uibk.ac.at/betriebsrat/wissenschaftlich/), Zentraler Rechtsdienst, AKG (https://www.uibk.ac.at/gleichbehandlung/buero/buero_startseite.html) of the University of Innsbruck
The Ombudspersons of the University of Innsbruck:
Humanities and Law:
 |
Univ.-Prof. Mag. Dr. Anne Siegetsleitner |
Social Sciences and Economics
|
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Albrecht Becker |
STEM Disciplines
|
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Alexander Kendl |
If there is a close relationship or possible conflict of interest with the Ombudsperson responsible for your discipline, you can also contact the Ombudsperson of a different field.
Links:
Guidelines for Ensuring Good Scientific Practice at the University of Innsbruck
Guidelines for Good Scientific Practice of the Austrian Agency for Research Integrity