The University of Louisville is committed to the highest standards of responsible conduct in research, including the highest standards of legal and ethical conduct in its related business practices. The continued success and strong public image of the University of Louisville is dependent upon the responsible and ethical conduct of its administrators, faculty and staff.  The purpose of this policy is to articulate this commitment.  It is the responsibility of the University Community to foster and nurture a culture where integrity in the conduct of research and scholarly activity is the foremost aim. In addition, all Members of the University Community are responsible to ensure that their behavior and activity is consistent with this commitment, as well as with University policies and procedures, and applicable federal, state and local laws, and regulations.

It is the policy of the University of Louisville that research carried out under its auspices is distinguished by the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. The University of Louisville promotes responsible conduct by practicing high standards of ethics and requiring accountability in the development, execution, performance and dissemination of research results. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students and visiting scholars conducting research under the auspices of the University, hereafter referred to as researchers.

VIOLATIONS OF THIS POLICY

Failure of covered individuals to comply with this or any other research policy of the University of Louisville will result in the application of Administrative Sanctions for Violations of the University of Louisville Research Policies.

References: UNC-Chapel Hill, Kansas State, University of Alaska-Anchorage, City University

Institutional Officials

Institutional Officials will foster a work environment that stimulates and challenges the development of abilities and pursuit of personal and professional growth while maintaining the highest ethical standards and the goals of the University of Louisville.  It is the responsibility of institutional officials to promote and exhibit the highest ethical conduct in the performance of their responsibilities. Administration will also provide the tools for ethical conduct by disseminating to all of its researchers a clear statement of its policies and the consequences of violating those policies.  It is the responsibility of the University and its officials to provide training and maintain records of training in the responsible conduct of research. The training provided shall be of sufficient quality and frequency to allow achievement and maintenance of certification.

Deans, Directors and Department Heads

Departments and other administrative units have the responsibility to provide information regarding accepted standard of professional integrity and quality, including aspects specific to their own disciplines. Notices sent from the Office of the Executive Vice President for Research, or designee, through the Deans, Directors and Department Heads should serve as an effective reminder to all researchers.

Researchers

• Conduct of Research: Researchers are responsible to ensure that their behavior and activity is consistent with this commitment, as well as with University policies and procedures, and applicable federal, state and local laws, and regulations.
• Publication of Research Findings: Research Integrity encompasses concern for the quality of published works, recognizing and citing the accomplishments of others, careful review of manuscripts, conferring of co-authorship only to those who have made a significant contribution and the ability and willingness of all authors to publicly defend published results. 
• Training and Maintenance of Certification: All researchers who are required by their funding sponsors to maintain certification in the Responsible Conduct of Research must do so.  The Institution and its officials are required to provide high quality training opportunities in a timely and efficient manner in order to assist researchers in meeting this responsibility.