Foto: Zwei Frauen unterhalten sich im Labor. Eine davon hält zwei Reagenzgläser in der Hand.

Good Scientific Practice at TU Dresden

For TUD Dresden University of Technology, scientific integrity is an indispensable foundation for trustworthy, transparent, and responsible research. Scientific integrity is not a rigid set of rules, but rather a dynamic process characterized by dialogue, reflection, and continuous development.

On this page, you will find information on the principles of good scientific practice, our position on research topics involving conflicts of interest, and the compliance structures that guide our work.

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Key topics at a glance

Good scientific practice

How does TUD ensure the quality and reliability of its research? Find out more about the DFG’s Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice - from documentation to authorship and procedures for suspected research misconduct. TUD has incorporated these principles into internal guidelines and offers training and advisory services for researchers.

Security-relevant research

At a large, research-intensive technical university like TUD, many fields of research straddle the line between civilian and non-civilian applications – whether in information technology, AI, biotechnology, or other areas. TUD takes a clear stance on this: We advocate for the freedom of research guaranteed by the German Constitution and, at the same time, are committed to the responsible handling of security-relevant knowledge. A position paper on security-relevant research developed in 2026 serves as the framework for the ethical evaluation of research projects.

Animal research in science

Animal experiments are still unavoidable in scientific research. TUD only conducts them when they are indispensable for scientific progress and the well-being of people. All animal research is subject to legal regulations and high ethical standards. Find out more about our principles, our approval procedures, and our efforts to find alternative methods.

Compliance in science and research

Compliance means more than just following rules – it is an active contribution to building trust in science. We understand it to mean the responsible adherence to legal, science-specific, and internal organizational regulations. Central structures ensure that research projects comply with legal and ethical standards. In addition, all TUD members are required to adhere to regulations regarding scientific integrity and honesty. The TUD Compliance Management System is supplemented by an anonymous whistleblower system through which violations can be reported.

Das Foto zeigt viele Reagenzgläser und eine Pipette. Darüber befindet sich die grafische Darstellung mehrerer chemischer Formeln und eines DNA-Stranges.

Why scientific integrity plays a pivotal role at TUD

TUD combines cutting-edge research with societal responsibility. Clear ethical and methodological standards are crucial to this. TUD is committed to the German Research Foundation’s (DFG) principles of good research practice and even goes beyond them: We promote a culture of openness, reproducibility, and critical self-reflection.

At the same time, the university faces complex issues, such as balancing freedom of research with security considerations or ensuring the ethical conduct of animal experiments. Our positions on these issues are based on scientific expertise, legal requirements, and an intense exchange with internal and external stakeholders. Our compliance management system and clear procedural rules ensure that our research is not only excellent but also conducted with integrity.

Structures for responsible research

Committee for Responsibility in Science

To strengthen the scientific community’s responsibility for its research and research findings and to raise awareness of this responsibility, TUD has established the Committee for Responsibility in Science (KVW). Members from all status groups are represented on this committee. The KVW supports researchers by providing advice and evaluating ethical and legal aspects of security-relevant research projects, and makes recommendations.

Ethics Committee

As an independent, autonomous, and interdisciplinary body, the Ethics Committee advises researchers and research projects ahead of their implementation on ethical, legal, and scientific aspects, particularly in the fields of medicine and the life sciences.

Whistleblower system

TUD’s whistleblower system allows for the secure and anonymous reporting of allegations of research misconduct or violations of compliance rules. In this way, the university actively contributes to detect misconduct or rule violations at an early stage, to counteract these, and thus prevent extensive consequences.

Ombudsperson for Good Scientific Practice

The Ombudsperson is the independent point of contact for all TUD members who have questions or conflicts related to good scientific practice. They provide confidential advice and assistance in clarifying uncertainties or allegations.