I am the elected Ombudsperson for MPIA. An Ombudsperson is broadly defined as someone who investigates complaints and attempts to resolve conflicts between aggrieved parties, such as consumers and companies, the public and government agencies, or employees and management. In the context of a Max Planck Institute, the Ombudsperson's role is to provide help in cases related to scientific malpractice. Anyone who is involved in a scientific conflict or who suspects scientific misconduct, may turn to the Ombudsperson for confidential advice and assistance. The Ombudsperson, who is not answerable to anyone else (in particular not to the Institute directors), can help to identify and pursue appropriate actions.
Scientific malpractice and misconduct are difficult to define precisely, and have a broad range of severity. To help scientists both avoid and identify them, the DFG and the Max Planck Society have drawn up documents on scientific good practice (see below). If you are unsure whether a situation you are involved in constitutes scientific misconduct, or if you just need advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me (contact details). All communications will be treated with total confidence. The following MPIA-internal website also gives links to others who can help, as well as our code of conduct: help in difficult situations.
Presentation on good scientific practice (November 2019)
Links:
MPG Rules of Good Scientific Practice
DFG Safeguarding Good Scientific Practice