February 25, 2021

Background

In January 2019, an allegation was made against a (by then) retired TU Dresden professor that data had not been collected properly during a large-scale field study. The professor conducted the study on behalf of an organization under the umbrella of the Association for Knowledge and Technology Transfer (Gesellschaft für Wissenschafts- und Technologietransfer – GWT, a subsidiary of TUDAG).

As part of its quality management, TU Dresden implements stringent regulations for such cases. The allegations were first brought to the attention of the Faculty’s liaison officer and subsequently to TUD’s ombudsperson, who conducted an initial inquiry and recommended that the University Executive Board engage an investigative commission. In April 2019, the Rector appointed the commission, chaired by an external expert. After further preliminary examinations, the commission concluded that a formal review procedure should be initiated, as it was not possible to dismiss the allegations in view of the statements given by those involved.

The complexity and volume of the material in question resulted in an extensive investigation. On February 24, 2021, the final inquiry report was submitted to the Rector of TU Dresden.

Report of the investigative commission and its consequences

In its report, the investigative commission concluded that there were deliberate violations of good scientific practice and that the project manager is chiefly responsible. The investigative commission accuses the project leader of severe data manipulation and falsification in a large number of cases and at various points in the study. Furthermore, the commission states that the traceability, verifiability, and complete documentation of the study in question did not comply with the rules of good scientific practice.

The Extended University Executive Board of TU Dresden is troubled by this misconduct perpetrated by a member of our university. At the same time, they are sure that members of our university conduct their research in line with the highest standards of academic integrity.

Academic integrity and transparency are core values of TU Dresden. Therefore, in the interest of its members, it is essential for TUD to fully elucidate the case and make sure it acts according to the conclusions drawn from this case.

Due to the serious violations of the principles of good scientific practice identified by the investigative commission, the university is currently reviewing both academic consequences and possible repercussions under public service law, civil law and criminal law.

In close cooperation with the ombudsperson, the affected faculty and doctoral candidates, TU Dresden is working to ensure the transfer of doctoral procedures under the mentorship of the professor in question to other supervisors.

Furthermore, universities that have awarded academic degrees and titles to the professor will be informed about the findings.

Since TU Dresden did not conduct the study in question, it will insist that the contractor – GWT – also conduct further investigations.

Good scientific practice at TU Dresden

TU Dresden trusts its employees and strives to offer the best possible working environment at a respected and high-performing university, so that the scholars working at TUD can continue to conduct internationally recognized and excellent research and teaching.

Upon taking office in August 2020, the new University Executive Board therefore began to identify the weaknesses in enforcing the rules of good scientific practice that had come to light as a result of this case. They also identified mechanisms to eliminate these shortcomings. The central task remains to further develop the existing instruments for safeguarding good scientific practice, which will reduce the likelihood such misconduct can reoccur in the future.

As a first measure, after discussions with doctoral students’ representatives, the Senate, the University Executive Board, and the legal department, the new Statutes on Good Scientific Practice were adopted on December 22, 2020. It includes the supervision of doctorates by a second academic supervisor and the evaluation by at least one external reviewer. In addition, all scientists must participate in regular training on good scientific practice. The Graduate Academy will offer corresponding courses and train course instructors for the faculties. There will also be corresponding offers for professors.

Furthermore, TU Dresden offers low-threshold complaint services – both centrally and in the individual Schools. In cases of suspected scientific misconduct, the ombudsperson is available as advisor and mediator. They are supported by a network of two professorial liaison officers in each faculty and additional contacts in the Graduate Academy. In addition, there is a complaint office for discrimination and harassment, as well as conflict counseling and mediation services. The Anti-Corruption Officer is responsible for investigating suspected financial misconduct.

In addition, clear processes for immediately following up on complaints are designed to ensure that those submitting reports remain protected and accused individuals not be prematurely presumed guilty, assuming their innocence until the investigation is complete. TUD has since introduced an electronic notification system for reporting misconduct and protecting those submitting reports. It will also be ensured that persons submitting such reports do not suffer any scientific and/or employment-related disadvantages as a result of the information they provide and that their emotional stress is minimized.

As part of its ‘2020–2025’ strategy, the Extended University Executive Board has also launched a project on leadership culture. The goal is to develop leadership guidelines as well as a leadership competency model. The university aims to use these measures to strengthen critical self-reflection, evoke proactive change, and promote the assumption of responsibility at all levels. This project contributes to the overarching objective of the Extended University Executive Board: To develop TUD into a globally oriented and regionally anchored university of excellence that is committed to the values of integrity, respectful interpersonal relations, transparency, openness, and diversity.

You can find an overview of the current services and measures to ensure good scientific practice at TU Dresden online.

The Faculty of Psychology’s Open Science Initiative

The Faculty of Psychology’s Open Science Initiative offers specific recommendations to improve the reliability of research findings. The initiative serves researchers from the Faculty at all stages of their academic careers with support in matters of good scientific practice. It organizes training programs, provides advice and promotes open science practices.