Fair procedures for the follow-up of allegations of misconduct

When somebody puts forward allegations of scientific misconduct, specific legal consequences are triggered. These will again depend on the specific normative framework in which this happens. In some countries the concerned institution is obliged to fully follow-up the issue; in others, the involvement of an external body might be required (or at least possible) at some point.

Applicable procedures must in any case be fair, which includes a great number of legal requirements aimed at preserving the rights of all involved parties, and most notably those of the accused, and of the reporter of allegations.

A crucial aspect of such fairness of procedures is their transparency and visibility. It is indeed critical that everybody knows in advance what will be the consequences of bringing forward allegations, when should this occur, and how to proceed.