The VCWI can give a second advice on cases (complaint files), that have already been investigated by the research institutions itself. The commission on research integrity of a research institution communicates its findings in an advice to the board of the institution, answering the questions whether there is a breach in research integrity or not. When the accused person, the person who reported the alleged breach or the institution itself would like a “second opinion” on this question, this “request for a second advice” can be directed to the national commission VCWI. It communicates its second advice to these three involved parties (accused, reporter, institution).

The VCWI invites these three parties to be heard. It can ask the advice of experts and witnesses. It has strict rules on confidentiality and conflicts of interest.

The commission consists of 9 members (professors of Flemish universities) and has a secretary and legal advisor. It is governed by a special supervisory committee, representing all universities, the funding agency and the academies.

Chart Workflow of investigation VCWI

The VCWI can publish general advice about research integrity matters, both when asked and on its own initiative. Institutions can for example ask an evaluation of their own research integrity policies. In this way, it plays a role in harmonizing the Flemish research integrity landscape.

Once every year, the VCWI organises an “RI meeting day”, for all RI professionals in Flanders. The universities and other research instutions explain their policy and procedures and learn from each other. It is a networking and disussing day for all people professionally involved into research integrity, such as the chairs and secretaries of commissions on research integrity of all research institutions (among which the universities) and scientific directors and policy makers. This meeting is on invitation only, but all slideshows of presentation texts are available online.

In a case of suspicion of alleged misconduct and brake of research integrity rules, the local universities must in a first instance investigate the case, decide of the outcome and establish ventually punishments.

The CSIS will instruct cases at a second level, at the request of the defendant or the University or the accusatory. The investigation committee is composed of 9 scientists in different fields of
activity . It gives its conclusion to the referring institution confidentially. The University and the National Research foundation may then attribute sanctions.

In development.

In development via the website under elaboration.