Application & Advice

Bielefeld University considers the protection of good scientific practice to be a central task of all its members and affiliates in research and teaching and has published principles for it.

In accordance with the guidelines of good supervision of doctoral theses, two members of Bielefeld University have been appointed by the Rectorate as central ombudspersons and persons of trust. The ombudspersons can be called upon to mediate in cases of violations of good scientific practice and conflicts between doctoral researchers and supervisors.

A further ombudsperson advises in cases of suspected academic misconduct and, if necessary, establishes contact with the Commission of Inquiry for Academic Misconduct, which is also appointed by the University. Further information on the principles of good scientific practice and the contact addresses of the ombudspersons at Bielefeld University can be found here.

The German Research Foundation (DFG) has also appointed an ombudsperson for science as an advisory and mediating body. This body advises all scientists and scholars on issues of good scientific practice and their possible violation by scientific dishonesty.