In its Guidelines for Good Scientific Practice, the Leibniz Association has set down standards of good research practice, definitions of what constitutes misconduct, and the role and powers of its central Ombuds-Committee. These guidelines also include rules of procedure on the specific handling of misconduct in research activity. The Leibniz institutions implement their procedures in accordance with these guidelines. This applies equally in the case of the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum.

The Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum regards safeguarding good research practice as one of its highest priorities. As the Leibniz Research Museum for Geo-resources, it is bound both by the German Research Foundation’s  Guidelines  for Safeguarding Good Research Practice as well as the Guidelines of Good Research Practice that apply within the Leibniz organisation. Together, these guidelines form the basis for the research work performed by the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, and all research activities must adhere to them.

The Ombudspersons responsible for safeguarding good research practice within the Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum, provide advice and function as intermediaries. They examine irregularities, suspicious activities and disagreements in relation to good research practice and the integrity of scientific research.

Every four years, the academic staff elect the Ombudspersons to perform this remit. They perform their activities neutrally and in confidence. Their objective is always to mediate conflict with a view to achieving a resolution. External agencies may be used if necessary. Another primary responsibility of the Ombudspersons is to embed a culture of good research practice and the integrity of scientific research within the organisation.

The currently appointed persons shall remain in office until March 2024:

• Dr. Elena Gómez Sánchez (1st Ombudsperson)
• Dr. Lena Asrih (2nd Ombudsperson)
• Dr. Maria Schäpers (Deputy Ombudsperson)