Research Integrity Office

Complaints and inquiries of responsible conduct of research

The SickKids Research Integrity Advisor (RIA) accepts and acts on all expressions of concern about a potential emerging breach and on allegations of an actual breach of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR). An initial verbal conversation is encouraged with the Complainant to determine whether mediation with the Respondent can solve the issue (for example, with manuscripts prior to final acceptance, or grant applications prior to submission). This proactive approach routinely resolves such expressions of concern without proceeding to an Inquiry.

If the potential breach is already in the research record, then the verbal conversation with the Complainant helps to define the specific breach, and explains the requirement for facts as evidence for the breach. When the Complainant chooses to submit a written allegation supported by facts, an Inquiry is automatically triggered that follows the process described in the TriAgency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research.

The Inquirer must have no conflicts of interest, and is usually the RIA or a delegate with more field-specific expertise. The Inquirer will evaluate the supporting facts and seek additional information and explanations from the Respondent and Complainant. The Inquiry Report outlines for the Chief of Research whether a breach is found and recommends potential recourse and mitigation measures, or the need for an Investigation. The Chief’s recourse decision is confidential. The Table below lists all Inquiries performed over three-year periods in an effort to protect the privacy of all those involved.