Scientific integrity

Scientific integrity and compliance with the principles of good scientific practice are indispensable requirements for scientific work. As an applied research organization, these principles are the basis of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s identity. Fraunhofer applies utmost care when implementing scientific methods and documenting data, as this is the basis on which commercial customers and the public place their trust in us.

This is why the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft welcomes the recommendations of the commission “Self-Regulation in Science” formed by the member institutes of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and is implementing these within the Fraunhofer Society.

Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice

General principles of scientific work

• Contribution of independent ideas and thoughts through knowledge and recognition of the state of the art, with particular respect for and appreciation of the intellectual property of others through correct scientific citations
• Methodical and quality-assured approach, with particular regard to the implementation of research and development projects
• Independence, objectivity and systematic skepticism, i.e. maintaining a critical distance from one’s own results
• Reproducibility of the results and appropriate archiving of all information necessary for the repetition of the cognitive process

In order to assist in the mediation of scientific integrity and to provide advice in cases of conflict in relation to good scientific practice, each Fraunhofer unit has a scientifically experienced and qualified ombudsperson for good scientific practice who is appointed by the institute management.