As part of the University of Cologne, the Faculty of Medicine is committed to its social and scientific responsibility. The researchers of the Faculty of Medicine are committed to scientific integrity and adhere to common principles:
In addition to the common principles, the Faculty of Medicine pursues the following specific measures:
Studies
As part of the course "Research and medical studies", students of human medicine and dentistry are trained in the various aspects of good scientific practice (including the active avoidance of plagiarism through correct citation of scientific sources).
As part of the scientific projects of the model degree program:
the students commit to follow the guidelines of the UoC's regulations for Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice in all academic activities
citation guidelines for the correct citation of scientific sources are provided.
in the longitudinal science curriculum, students are trained in scientific theory and learn to distinguish scientific findings from everyday or anecdotal knowledge
Doctorate (Dr. med (dent.))
As part of the Graduate School of Human Medicine and Dentistry, doctoral students are required to take part in a module on good scientific practice and the prevention of scientific misconduct.
In cases of conflict, it is possible to contact the ombudsperson, who works confidentially and is not bound to instructions.
Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine are checked for plagiarism using an electronic procedure in the event of suspicion.
A mandatory external expert opinion is obtained for doctoral theses that are to be graded "summa cum laude".
Doctorate (Dr. nat. med. / PhD)
As part of the structured doctoral programs, doctoral candidates must complete compulsory curricular modules that deal, among other things, with good scientific practice and the avoidance of scientific misconduct (in cooperation with the Albertus Magnus Center (AMC)).
All doctoral candidates must present their doctoral project in person to the relevant doctoral committee at the beginning of their doctoral work. The doctoral committee evaluates the doctoral projects and also examines the general conditions (e.g. concept, timetable, funding, supervision situation).
All doctoral candidates in structured doctoral programs are assigned two tutors (professors, senior academics) upon admission, who act as "external" quality control for the doctoral project and can be consulted for advice and mediation in the event of any conflicts.
In cases of conflict, it is possible to contact the ombudsperson, who works confidentially and is not bound to instructions.
Dissertations from the Faculty of Medicine are checked for plagiarism using an electronic procedure in the event of suspicion.
A mandatory external expert opinion is obtained for doctoral theses that are to be graded "summa cum laude".
Confidants and ombudspersons
Differences of opinion and tensions can arise during studies, while working on a doctoral project or in the general context of research and teaching. For such cases, the Faculty of Medicine has introduced ombudspersons and persons of trust for issues at various career levels. In such cases, seek a discussion promptly and describe your situation. You can contact the ombudspersons at any time. The discussions take place in a protected space and are confidential.
