How can we help you?

• The Science Ombud will help ensure that UiO¡¯s research is of high quality and is conducted in compliance with good research ethics.
• The Ombudsperson is not part of the line organisation, neither administratively nor in terms of research.
• The Ombudsperson will treat all inquiries and matters in a confidential manner.  

Please contact us when

• You have a problem that you need to consult us about
• You have a problem ¨C or are in a conflict ¨C that you have reported, but feel you are not being heard, are being ignored etc.
• You are aware of issues that you think should not be swept under the carpet
• You are in conflict with supervisors or heads of research and do not know where to turn to be heard
• You are in a leadership position and are in a problematic situation and are unsure of how best to solve it

Examples

Questions and disputes typically revolve around

• academic authorship,
• plagiarism,
• proper handling of data,
• exclusion from access to data,
• manipulation of data,
• falsification,
• fabrication,
• ideological basis in research,
• professional contention,
• protection of professional interests in judgments,
• lack of impartiality in the creation of an evaluation committee,
• appeals concerning another authority¡¯s decision in a matter,
• deficient and wrongful supervision,
• professional and ethical conflicts of interest. 

This list is not exhaustive.

We can help in the following ways

• Provide you with insight into research ethics, norms and regulations
• Provide guidance and confidential advice on issues pertaining to scientific integrity
• Help resolve cases early and at the lowest possible level
• Mediate between parties to reach agreement
• In the event of serious or irremediable matters, give advice and refer you to the right authority  
• On request, we can give advice and participate in the prevention of scientific misconduct
• Breach of research ethics guidelines reported via the Speak up system (whistle blowing, adverse events) may also be referred to the Science Ombud

What we cannot do

• The Science Ombud will not investigate scientific misconduct based on suspicion. When such suspicion arises, the matter will be referred to the proper authority at UiO.
• The Science Ombud must not be a representative for one party.
• The Science Ombud does not have decision-making authority to settle cases.
• The Science Ombud is not an appellate authority.
• The Science Ombud shall not process matters primarily related to financial fraud, labour disputes, sexual harassment. When matters of this nature are made known, they will be referred to the proper authority at UiO.
• In order to maintain confidentiality, the Science Ombud will not archive documents.

See web pages for academic ombud services other countries