In accordance with the Statute for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice, the departmental ombudspersons are responsible for carrying out preliminary investigations in cases of suspected scientific misconduct and also act as a point of contact for their departmental colleagues on the subject of good research practice.

In turn, the departmental ombudspersons can contact the central ombudspersons with any questions or issues of their own. The central ombudspersons act as the final authority in procedures investigating possible acts of scientific misconduct. They also advise the Executive Board in matters related to good research practice and contact the investigatory commission should a preliminary investigation of suspected scientific misconduct lend weight to these suspicions.

The members of the investigatory commission convene at the request of the central ombudspersons and are responsible for carrying out the formal investigation in accordance with Freie Universität’s Statute for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice. They determine whether a specific case constitutes an example of scientific misconduct and consult with the Executive Board with regard to potential sanctions.

The Coordination Office for Reasearch Integrity (KowIn) advises all members of Freie Universität on issues regarding good research practice. They also support the central ombudspersons and the members of the investigatory commission.