Who's Got Guidance: Results from the ARIO/COGR Survey of Research Integrity Officials on the Final ORI Research Misconduct Rule

The survey conducted by the Association of Research Integrity Officers (ARIO) and COGR assessed how research integrity officials view the implementation of the updated Public Health Service (PHS) Policies on Research Misconduct issued in September 2024. Respondents emphasized the need for additional guidance from both the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) and the research community regarding newly defined terms and key policy or procedural provisions, particularly concerning accepted research practices, record-keeping, and handling complex investigations. The findings, drawn largely from public college and university officials with moderate experience in research misconduct cases, demonstrate broad uncertainty about aspects of the Final Rule and will be used to inform future guidance initiatives by both ARIO and ORI.