Research Misconduct

George Mason University is committed to the highest standards of ethical science. The university’s policy on Misconduct in Research and Scholarship is applicable to all persons holding any position affiliated with the university, to all graduate students engaged in research activities leading to the generation of reports, conference papers, publications, or creative works in which university affiliation is indicated, to undergraduate students who are involved in sponsored research, and to all individuals at the university engaged in teaching, research, or scholarship, or under the control of, or affiliated with, the university.

Research misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism which are defined as follows:

  • Fabrication: means making up data or results and recording them or reporting them.
  • Falsification: means manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.
  • Plagiarism: means the appropriation of another person’s idea, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.

The Research Misconduct Procedure outlined in University Policy 4007 ensures confidentiality as the university receives and reviews allegations, conducts inquires and investigations, and communicates results to the complainant and respondent. All research misconduct allegations must be referred to either the Vice President for Research or the Assistant Vice President for Research Integrity and Assurance who acts as the Research Integrity Officer (RIO).

If you suspect research misconduct and would like to make an allegation contact:

Christopher DiTeresi
Director, Research Integrity
Research Integrity & Assurance
cditeres@gmu.edu
(703) 993-6409

For further information, please view the links to full policies and procedures available in the navigation menu.

NOTE: All PIs of a proposals submitted through the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) are expected to be knowledgeable of the contents of University Policy 4007.  

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