- Termination of Institutional Employment or Resignation Prior to Completing Inquiry or Investigation
The termination of the respondent's institutional employment, by resignation or otherwise, before or after an allegation of possible scientific misconduct has been reported, will not preclude or terminate the misconduct procedures.
If the respondent, without admitting to the misconduct, elects to resign his or her position prior to the initiation of an inquiry but after an allegation has been reported or during an inquiry or investigation, the inquiry or investigation will proceed. If the respondent refuses to participate in the process after resignation, the committee will use its best efforts to reach a conclusion concerning the allegations, noting in its report the respondent's failure to cooperate and its effect on the committee's review of all the evidence.
- Restoration of the Respondent's Reputation
If the institution finds no misconduct and the research sponsor concurs, the Research Integrity Officer will undertake reasonable efforts to restore the respondent's reputation. In consultation with the respondent and depending on the particular circumstances, the Research Integrity Officer should consider notifying those individuals aware of or involved in the investigation of the final outcome, publicizing the final outcome in forums in which the allegation of scientific misconduct was previously publicized, or expunging all reference to the research misconduct allegation from the respondent's personnel file. Any institutional actions to restore the respondent's reputation must first be approved by the Deciding Official.
- Protection of the Whistleblower and Othersxxxii
Regardless of whether the institution or the research sponsor determines that research misconduct occurred, the Research Integrity Officer will undertake reasonable efforts to protect whistleblowers and others who either made accusations in good faith or who cooperated in good faith with inquiries and investigations of such allegations. Upon completion of an investigation, the Deciding Official will consult with the whistleblower to determine what steps, if any, are needed to restore the position or reputation of the whistleblower. The Research Integrity Officer is responsible for implementing any steps the Deciding Official approves. The Research Integrity Officer will also take appropriate steps during the inquiry and investigation to prevent any retaliation against the whistleblower.
- Allegations Not Made in Good Faith
If relevant, the Deciding Official will determine whether the whistleblower's allegations of research misconduct were made in good faith. If an allegation was not made in good faith, the Deciding Official will determine whether any administrative action should be taken against the whistleblower.
- Interim Administrative Actions
Institutional officials will take interim administrative actions, as appropriate, to protect the funds of research sponsors and ensure that the purposes of the sponsor’s financial assistance are carried out.xxxiii