The actors: research integrity officers

The circular issued by the Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research in March 2017 demands that all research operators endow themselves with a general policy for the promotion of research integrity that “addresses awareness raising, training, prevention and control at one and the same time.” It also demands that heads of institutions appoint a research integrity officer who will report to them and oversee the effective implementation of this policy.

Their missions

The research integrity officer is a recognised researcher who is relieved of their scientific management and research duties.

Their missions are defined in the 2017 Guidelines drawn up by the authors of the Corvol Report:

  • ensuring the effective implementation of the general research integrity policy of the institution,
  • ensuring that the systems and procedures for preventing and handling violations of research integrity are introduced.
  • reporting to the head of the institution.

He or she is the first contact person for any actors in research who might have any questions on research integrity and for all those who think they may have witnessed a violation worthy of attention.

  • View the list of research integrity officers and their contact details.

Their networks  

In addition to their main activity in their own institution, these officers also work in networks to share their experiences (anonymously) and coordinate their action.

Two networks have been created:

  • a national network, RESINT, grouping together all the French officers, coordinated by Michel Pernot (Université Bordeaux-Montaigne) and Michelle Hadchouel (Inserm). 
  • a European network, ENRIO, grouping together the research integrity officers from 30 institutions in 23 European states. France has four representatives at ENRIO, including the director of the OFIS.

“Citation d’un référent…

Anne Fogli, Research Integrity Officer, Université de Clermont- Auvergne” (en attente de réception)