Complaints, Misconduct, and Appeals
How concerns are raised, handled and appealed.
Anyone may raise a concern about research conduct, editorial accuracy, conflicts, privacy, accessibility, or retaliation through Fight Medicine Research Institute’s published correspondence route. Reports about the Director go directly to the independent chair; reports about the chair go to two other independent members.
Reports are acknowledged within five business days. Immediate safety or confidentiality risks receive immediate action. Initial triage occurs within ten business days.
The decision-maker must be independent of the allegation. The process preserves records, protects confidentiality to the extent possible, offers a fair opportunity to respond, and documents findings and action. Good-faith reporters, participants, witnesses, and staff are protected against retaliation.
For formal allegations of fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism, the integrity officer applies a written assessment and investigation procedure. A person whose work is questioned does not direct the review. Relevant institutional, funder, publisher, IRB, and regulatory notifications are made when required.
An appeal may be filed within 30 calendar days of the decision. It is heard by an independent person or panel that did not decide the original matter. Reasons and the final outcome are documented.
Where PHS research-misconduct requirements apply, the current 42 CFR Part 93 procedures, notifications, and timeframes control. Internal service targets do not replace mandatory external obligations.