Tufts University is committed to the highest standards of integrity in the conduct and administration of its research programs. The University has published policies that, in conjunction with federal, state, and local regulations, govern the conduct of research involving human subjects, laboratory and teaching animals, recombinant DNA, infectious agents, radiation, and other hazardous materials. The University also has a general policy covering misconduct in research and scholarship and financial policies that govern spending of research funds.

A complainant having a good faith belief that noncompliance with any of those policies or misconduct in research and scholarship has occurred or is occurring at Tufts University may report it in one of two ways:

• through the normal channels outlined in the University’s policies, or
• by leaving a message on the University’s research 24-hour hotline at (617) 636-2492 in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.

The University has instituted this 24-hour hotline on which complainants may leave a message in order to report an allegation of misconduct. In order to allow for the possibility of anonymous reporting, the hotline is set up on a line where phone numbers for incoming calls are blanked out in lists of calls made to this number. Complainants may leave an anonymous message if they so choose, however, anonymous reports will only be considered if sufficient factual information is provided to permit an objective inquiry. Complainants may also choose to leave their contact information so that a University official may follow up with more detail if needed to warrant an inquiry.

The University recognizes that allegations of misconduct in research and scholarship are sensitive and serious issues. In order to protect the reputations of the complainants and respondents while investigations are taking place, it is the responsibility of all parties involved, including but not limited to University officials, complainants, and respondents, to treat such matters as confidential to the fullest extent possible.

Before any reports of misconduct in research and scholarship are made, please consult with the appropriate university policy, located here.