What is considered research misconduct?

Research misconduct refers specifically to unethical behavior in the conduct of research, which primarily includes fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

Fabrication involves making up data or results and recording or reporting them, while falsification is the manipulation of research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data to misrepresent the research. Plagiarism is the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or data without proper acknowledgment, presenting it as one's own. These actions undermine the integrity of the research process and can lead to severe consequences for the individuals involved, as well as for the broader academic community.

In contrast, collaborating with other researchers, conducting peer reviews, and following established research protocols are all elements of ethical and responsible research practice. These activities are crucial for ensuring quality and rigor in research, promoting transparency, and upholding scientific standards. Therefore, they do not fall under the definition of research misconduct.