Reporting suspected misconduct

Go straight to more information about:

• How to report suspected misconduct in projects funded by the Research Council (as an external party)
• How to report suspected misconduct in the Research Council (as an employee)

How to report suspected misconduct in projects funded by the Research Council

On the right hand side of this page you will find a link to where to submit ypur report if you have information about, or reason to believe, that suspected misconduct may have taken place in projects funded by the Research Council. You do not need to be sure that anything illegal or censurable has occurred. It is sufficient that you have a specific concern or information that you believe the Research Council should be aware of.

Relevant conditions to inform us about can be, for example:

• violations of laws and guidelines
• misuse of grant schemes or use of project funds for purposes other than those agreed
• corruption, fraud or financial irregularities such as theft, embezzlement or document forgery
• violation of rules on impartiality, conflicts of interest or unfortunate mixing of roles

When you submit a report, it is useful if you describe which project or company the report concerns, what the concern is about, when the matter allegedly occurred, and whether you have documentation that can shed light on the case.

The Research Council assesses your information on the basis of their content, severity and relevance to our funding. A report is not a conclusion that something censurable has happened, but can provide a basis for further investigations or control measures.

Dissatisfaction with the Research Council's case processing, assessments or decisions is not normally considered to be a report on misconduct as such. Such inquiries must follow ordinary procedures for filing and handling complaints.

How to report suspected misconduct in the Research Council

You will find a link to a whistleblowing channel where you as an employee can report if you are concerned that misconduct have occurred in the Research Council on the right hand-side of this page.

Misconduct are conditions that are contrary to laws and regulations, internal guidelines or general ethical norms that are widely accepted in society.

This could be, for example:

• danger to life or health
• danger to the climate or the environment
• corruption, irregularities or other financial crime
• abuse of authority
• unsafe working environment (physical or psychosocial)
• bullying, discrimination, threats, violence, abuse or various forms of harassment
• personal data security breaches
• scientific misconduct or violation of research ethics norms
• violation of the rules on impartiality
• other violations of laws, regulations, internal policies, or ethical norms

Dissatisfaction with one's own employment or ordinary personnel conflicts is not normally considered whistleblowing.