A and B suspected that post-doc Researcher C had presented joint projects as their own for years without acknowledging the other authors' contributions. According to the rector's decision, C was guilty of disregard for good research practices by denigrating the contributions of other authors and partners in publications, in their CV and in other reporting. The investigation of the case in the university took a considerably long time. Both A and B together and C requested a statement on the matter from TENK.
In the 2012 RI Guidelines, misappropriation refers to the unlawful presentation of another person's result, idea, plan, observation or data as one's own research. Misappropriation is taken very seriously and must be proven undeniably. In order to conclude that an RI violation has occurred in a case like this, the activities of the respondent must also constitute gross disregard and irresponsibility during various stages of the activities and the violation must be intentional and serious.
In TENK's view, the criteria for misappropriation as defined in the RI guidelines were not met. Instead, this was a case of disregard for good research practices. The suspicion of misleading research funders had not been investigated in the process, and it should also be investigated according to the RI process.