Annual Report 2015–2016

RESEARCH INTEGRITY
NOTIFICATIONS OF RESEARCH MISCONDUCT MATTERS
PART 3 operating environment
In line with NHMRC policy, institutions must notify NHMRC of any research misconduct findings or breaches
of the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007 related to NHMRC funding. NHMRC
carried over notifications relating to six matters from 2014–15 and has received a further four notifications
during 2015–16. It is the responsibility of the relevant institution to investigate allegations of research
misconduct consistent with the code. In response to findings of research misconduct, NHMRC may take
action in relation to the institution or the researcher. Actions may include, for example, recovery of research
funding from an institution or restrictions on a researcher’s applications for funding for a period of time. In
2015–16, NHMRC took action in response to two of the notified matters. Ongoing matters from 2015–16 will
continue to be monitored during 2016–17.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH INTEGRITY COMMITTEE
2015–16
This is the annual report of the Australian Research Integrity Committee (ARIC) to the CEO of NHMRC.
ARIC was jointly established by NHMRC and the Australian Research Council (ARC) in 2011 and reports to
both agencies. As a result of the joint NHMRC and ARC appointment, ARIC reports separately to the ARC on
cases that arise in the jurisdiction created under the ARC’s legislation. Information on those activities can be
found in the ARC’s Annual Report.
ARIC provides a review system of institutional processes to respond to allegations of research misconduct.
This system is intended to ensure that institutions investigate such allegations and observe due process
in doing so, consistent with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research 2007. The
framework under which ARIC operates applies to both NHMRC and ARC matters and is designed to
contribute to quality assurance and public confidence regarding the integrity of Australia’s research effort.
ARIC is chaired by Mr Ron Brent and the members are Dr Kerry Breen, Ms Julie Hamblin and Emeritus
Professor Sheila Shaver. NHMRC reappointed all ARIC members for a second term under section 39 of the
NHMRC Act for the period 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016.
During the 2015–16 reporting period, the NHMRC ARIC has been required to review two matters. One
investigation has been completed and ARIC found that the processes used to investigate the allegation of
research misconduct were consistent with the code and no further action was taken.
The second matter is still being investigated.
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Annual Report of the National Health and Medical Research Council 2015–2016