Research Integrity complaints
UNSW researchers are expected to be committed to high standards of professional conduct in accordance with the accepted practice of their disciplines, UNSW and National Codes, Policies & Guidelines and legislative requirements. Allowing people to do the wrong thing can have a detrimental impact on the reputation of individuals, UNSW, and the excellence of research more generally.
Resolving your complaint
In most cases, concerns can be simply and quickly resolved by raising them at a local level when they arise with the person or area responsible. In instances where issues cannot be resolved by Steps 1, a complaint can be made in Step 3.
IMPORTANT: If your complaint involves an immediate risk of harm to humans, animals or the environment please contact UNSW Research Ethics and Compliance Support, opens in a new window now.
What is (not) a complaint?
How do I make a complaint?
Step 1. Talk to someone
Your first point of contact should be your supervisor or the Research Integrity Advisor (RIA) for your faculty.
Faculty RIAs are familiar with the Responsible Conduct of Research requirements for your broad discipline and can offer confidential advice on whether your complaint should be referred to the Conduct & Integrity Office.
You can refer to the Complaints Management & Investigations Policy & Procedure, opens in a new window for more information. For complaints and reports submitted prior to 12 February 2024, please refer to the relevant complaint and misconduct procedures, opens in a new window.
Step 2. Make a complaint
If you feel uncomfortable or have tried unsuccessfully to resolve your concerns with the relevant person, or Faculty RIA in Step 1, you can lodge a formal complaint in writing with UNSW Conduct and Integrity below.
Below are some tips when making your complaint.
- Be timely. The sooner you make a complaint, the quicker the issue can be considered and hopefully resolved.
- Provide evidence. To better support your claim, include as much evidence as possible. Depending on the nature of your complaint this might include emails and other correspondence, draft manuscripts or published papers, ethics approval documents or reference numbers. The University will assess your complaint and may request more detail from you to assist in deciding how to handle the issues you raise.
- Be respectful. You might be dissatisfied about something, but please be mindful in communicating your concerns with courtesy and respect to the case managers assigned to your case. They are available to respond to any questions you have about the complaint process.
The University respects the wishes of those wanting to remain anonymous. However, please keep in mind the University’s ability to investigate an anonymous complaint may be limited and you will also not be provided the outcome of your complaint.
What happens now?
Once you make a complaint, Conduct & Integrity (C&I) will endeavour to progress your complaint as efficiently as possible.
You will receive acknowledgement within 5 working days. A staff member of C&I assigned to your case will then assess the complaint and advise you of the next steps. The staff member may contact you to gather additional information or request clarification.
The next steps may include assigning a case manager to conduct a Preliminary Enquiry in accordance with the Complaints Management & Investigations Policy & Procedure, opens in a new window.
