Scientific Integrity

The scientific integrity officers of the University of Rennes deal with cases of negligence that are brought to their attention and their duties involve exercising vigilance and prevention
Gilles Salbert, actuel référent intégrité scientifique de l'Université de Rennes - Photo UR/DirCom/F.OBÉ

The affiliated Grandes Écoles of the University of Rennes have their own scientific integrity officer:

In addition, Gilles Salbert Professor of Biology, is the scientific integrity officer for all scientific disciplines of the the university.

Missions of the Scientific Integrity Officer

A role of vigilance and prevention

The scientific integrity officer:

  • Ensures that the University does its utmost to promote and encourage scientific integrity compliance;
  • Monitors changes to research laws and regulations and publishes this information within the University;
  • Is the first point of contact for information requests;
  • Gives advice on scientific integrity compliance in terms of research and its promotion.

Dealing with cases of negligence

The scientific integrity officer:

  • Gathers and follows up reports of alleged cases of negligence by ensuring the strictest confidentiality and whistleblower anonymity;
  • Informs the President of the University if negligence is proven;
  • Provides expertise in dealing with the cases of negligence that have been reported to him/her as part of the investigation procedure that he/she has implemented;
  • May request mediator support for conflictual situations;
  • Ensures, during investigations, the presence of representatives from the institutions for which the people involved work;
  • Hands over the final report of objective evidence to the President, and possibly to the institution heads in question, in the event of an allegation involving several institutions, whilst respecting strict confidentiality.

Mission Follow-Up and Reporting

The scientific integrity officer reports on their activities and draws up a confidential report each year concerning all their activities and the situations encountered, for the President or Director of the institution. Acting on a proposal from this official, the scientific integrity officer may present this information to the institution's bodies.

Urgent or Serious Cases

The scientific integrity officer is authorised to inform the President or Director of the institution of any situation where the seriousness of the facts or the urgency of the situation requires a rapid decision and reaction. The same applies in the event of the application of paragraph 2 of Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

National Network

The scientific integrity officer is part of the national network of scientific integrity officers, which allows exchanges with other higher education and research institutions in France