Dear Department Chairs,
I am writing to share that a new Research Misconduct Policy has been finalized and will go into effect on January 1, 2026. The new policy is posted on the Office of Research Integrity’s website and is accompanied by FAQs.
The University Policy Structure stipulates that the development of University policies should include review, comments, and recommendations of particular and appropriate groups, such as faculty. The process for developing the Research Misconduct Policy included:
- Iteration of an initial draft by a faculty working group comprised of a representative for each of the colleges
- Presentation to the Faculty Senate in November 2025
- An online public comment period, announced to all faculty
The university is required to maintain a research misconduct policy that complies with the federal Public Health Service Research Misconduct regulations. Questions, comments, and recommendations were solicited through the above processes. This feedback was carefully considered and where appropriate and possible, addressed by either making revisions to the policy or by incorporation into the FAQs.
If you have any questions about the policy or its development process, please feel free to contact me.
Best,
Naomi
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Naomi E. Coll, MPH, CPH, CIP
Director of Research Policy and Compliance
Lehigh University
610-758-2985
Lehigh University Office of Research Integrity