Researcher A from the field of law suspected reviewer B to be guilty of inappropriately hampering the work of a researcher in the application process of A’s title of docent. A alleged that B had diminished A’s achievements and had not considered all the delivered material. Additionally, A suspected that the faculty administration had violated against RCR by not granting A a title of docent.
TENK stated that matters concerning the appointment process of a title of docent does not fall within its scope. The faculty had processed A’s application for a title of docent at its discretion. By assessing the application, B performed the task given to them. Giving a critical review did not violate the responsible conduct of research. Based on the material delivered to TENK, there was no reason to conclude that B had diminished A’s achievements, thereby hampering their work as a researcher.