Cornell University affirms its commitment to the highest standards of research integrity. Members of the Cornell University community are expected to perform their scholarly and scientific activities with honesty, meet the highest ethical standards, and respect the appropriate standards of evidence and the contributions and scholarship of others.
Following University Policy 1.2 on Research Integrity, the university will vigorously investigate allegations of research misconduct and research-related misconduct that contravene these expectations, taking all reasonable steps to protect the rights and interests of individuals whose work or performance is questioned.
Definition of Research Misconduct and Research-Related Misconduct:
Research misconduct is defined as fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results, according to the Code of Federal Regulations 42 CFR Part 93:
- Fabrication is making up data or results and recording or reporting them.
- Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.
- Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.
Research-related misconduct is defined in University Policy 1.2 on Research Integrity (Section 3, Definitions):
Any act that violates the standards of integrity in the conduct of scholarly and scientific research and communication outside the parameters of research misconduct as defined in this policy and relevant federal regulations. Examples of research-related misconduct can be found in Policy 1.2, Research Integrity, Section 3, Definitions). Research-related misconduct also includes any form of retaliation against a person who, while acting in good faith, provides information about suspected or alleged misconduct.
Research-related misconduct includes other unacceptable behaviors that Cornell has elected to prohibit that may appear in an academic environment. Cornell adheres to the procedures for investigating research misconduct allegations required by federal agencies as a condition of federal funding.
What constitutes Research Misconduct or Research-Related Misconduct?
A finding of research misconduct requires:
- A significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research community;
- that the conduct was intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly committed; and
- proof by a preponderance of the evidence.
Misconduct does not include an unintentional error or honest differences in interpretations or judgments of data.
What must I do if I encounter Research Misconduct or Research-Related Misconduct?
All members of the Cornell community have a responsibility to report suspected research misconduct or research-related misconduct under University Policy 1.2 on Research Integrity. Whether you are a faculty member, a member of the staff, or a student, you are encouraged to report the allegation to Cornell’s Research Integrity Officer. You can also make an anonymous report using Cornell EthicsPoint.
Compliance with Updated Federal Regulations
Cornell University Policy 1.2 requires adherence to all federal regulations. For research supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Cornell complies fully with updated requirements that go into effect January 1, 2026, including:
Timelines
- Inquiry: Must be completed within 90 calendar days of initiation. If completion requires more time, Cornell will document the reasons for exceeding the 90‑day period in the inquiry report.
- Investigation: Must be completed within 180 calendar days of initiation, including preparing the final report. If additional time is required, Cornell will request approval from the Office of Research Integrity (ORI).
Interview Requirements
- Inquiries: Interviews are not required to be recorded or transcribed. If they are transcribed, respondents will be provided access to transcripts.
- Investigations: Interviews must be recorded and transcribed. Respondents must be given access to these records and to the draft investigation report, which contains transcripts, for comment.
Effective Date of New Requirements
- Cornell will apply the updated HHS requirements to all allegations of research misconduct received on or after January 1, 2026. As permitted by HHS, allegations received prior to this date will continue to be handled under the regulations in effect at the time they were initiated.
Cornell remains dedicated to fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all research activities.