The DFG pays particular attention to the research integrity of DFG-funded research projects. An orientation framework for research integrity in Germany is provided by the Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice”, which was adopted by DFG member institutions in 2019 and sets out the standards for good research practice.

• Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practic"

In addition, reports of incidents involving research misconduct may be submitted to the DFG. These are investigated by the DFG and sanctions are imposed in cases where scientific misconduct is shown to have been committed. Not every violation or breach of the standards of good research practice constitutes scientific misconduct: scientific misconduct shall be deemed to have occurred in particular if false statements are made intentionally or through gross negligence in a context that is significantly relevant to science or the humanities, if other people’s research accomplishments are appropriated without authorisation, or if the research activity of another person is impeded. The actions committed must constitute an offence in accordance with the “Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct” (VerfOwF). 

• Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct (VerfOwF)
• Further Information on how to proceed in cases of suspected scientific misconduct 

You can submit a suspicion of scientific misconduct (also anonymously if you wish) 

• via the DFG’s electronic incident reporting system (report focus area “Scientific misconduct in connection with DFG-funded projects or the DFG’s proposal submission and review process”)
• by e-mail to the Research Integrity team: wi@dfg.de

The following are particularly relevant suspicions of misuse of DFG-approved research funds in DFG-funded projects that can be reported: 

• non-project-related or uneconomical use of funds,
• unauthorised duplicate funding or
• other accounting-related violations of the DFG’s funding guidelines 

In the event of misuse of approved research funds, the DFG assesses the case and may assert its right to reclaim the funds.

Reports of suspected misuse of approved research funds in DFG-funded projects can be submitted (also anonymously) via the

• DFG’s electronic incident reporting system (report focus area “Misuse of approved research funds in DFG-funded projects”)

Should you require advice on the question of whether something you have observed should be reported, please contact Economics, Auditing and Compliance by e-mail or telephone: 

• compliance@dfg.de, Tel. +49 228 885-2361

The suspicion of corruption covers all cases in which the proper fulfilment of tasks is undermined by an irregular trade-off between donor and recipient in connection with DFG-funded projects or the DFG proposal submission and review process. This includes criminal offences under §§ 331 ff. StGB (Strafgesetzbuch, Penal Code) 

Here, it is also possible to report any suspicion of actual or potential conflicts of interest that are likely to undermine confidence in the objectivity and independence of DFG decision-making.

You can submit reports (also anonymously) via the 

• DFG’s electronic incident reporting system (report focus area “Corruption/conflicts of interest in connection with DFG-funded projects or the DFG’s proposal submission and review process”)

Should you require advice on the question of whether something you have observed should be reported, please contact Economics, Auditing and Compliance by e-mail or telephone: 

• compliance@dfg.de, Tel. +49 228 885-2361.

You can report violations listed in § 2 HinSchG (Hinweisgeberschutzgesetz, Whistleblower Protection Act) that you have observed at the DFG Head Office in connection with your work at the DFG Head Office prior to working for the DFG, as an active or former employee of the DFG, or as a supplier or service provider.

The following are examples of violations that are of particular relevance to the DFG:

1. violations of data protection and information security at the DFG Head Office (including the Berlin Office and representations abroad)
2. violations of tax law, including non-profit law at the DFG Head Office (including the Berlin Office and the representations abroad)
3. corruption and violations of public procurement law at the DFG Head Office (including the Berlin Office and the representations abroad)
4. other behaviour at the DFG Head Office (including the Berlin Office and the representations abroad) that is punishable by law or subject to a fine or that is damaging to the DFG, providing the violated rules subject to a fine serve to protect life, limb or health or the rights of employees or the Works Council. 

You can submit reports (also anonymously) via the 

• electronic incident reporting system (report focus area: “Violations under the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) at the DFG Head Office” (for DFG employees and suppliers))

Reports submitted under this report focus area via the electronic incident reporting system go to the DFG Compliance Ombudsperson. In this report focus area only, you can also contact the Compliance Ombudsperson directly as follows:

• Dr. Johannes Dilling, Lawyer
  Landgrafenstraße 49
  50931 Köln
  Tel.: +49 (0) 221 933 107 40
  Mobile: +49 (0) 163 347 6111
  Fax: +49 (0) 221 933 107 42
  www.ra-dilling.de
  E-mail: RADilling@protonmail.com

Further information on reporting to the Compliance Ombudsperson is provided in the relevant

• FAQs for complainants/whistleblowers who wish to report an incident to the DFG’s Compliance Ombudsperson

Complainants/whistleblowers can also choose to report details of violations under the HinSchG (Hinweisgeberschutzgesetz, Whistleblower Protection Act) to the following external reporting centre:

• Federal Office of Justice: general external reporting centre for violations committed in a work context. For information on the reporting procedure and other federal reporting centres responsible under specific legislation.