This discussion hub focuses on plagiarism in academic research. Complex and controversial questions are looked at and discussed in different ways. A central aspect of the project is connecting with experts on the topic. The hub considers itself to be a part of the discourse concerning the diverse phenomenon of plagiarism in academia. The project’s contributions may vary both in their type and function: Some publications rather summarise current circumstances, others are more of a guiding or argumentative nature. One of the main goals is conceiving and publishing preferably cross-disciplinary guidelines for dealing with cases of plagiarism in academia.  These guiding instructions are supposed to complement and specify the standards for good research practice as defined in the DFG Code of Conduct, offering scientists information as well as tangible orientation and thereby strengthening research integrity. 

Working closely with experts, the discussion hub focuses on

• criteria for evaluating plagiarism
• lack of terminological clarity
• inconsistencies and frequent lack of transparency concerning the revocation of academic degrees
• questions about tracking cases of research misconduct

Ombudspersons, members of committees for investigation of research misconduct, library professionals, experts in the field of law as well as members of academic societies will be interviewed and invited to join the discussion, with a view to drawing on their expertise in the development of contributions to the on-going debates.

If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the discussion hub with your experience, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Research

Before taking up his position as an academic associate at the German Research Ombudsman in 2020, Felix Hagenström did a PhD at University of Southampton (UK). He has taught Philosophy courses there and at the Free University Berlin. He holds a BA and MA from the University of Göttingen where he also worked at the Institute for Ethics and History of Medicine.

Publications

„Welche Regeln gelten beim Text-Recycling? Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis und die Wiederverwertung eigener Texte.“ (Article by Felix Hagenström in Forschung & Lehre 3/23, p. 190-191)

Wissenschaftliche Fairness (Katrin Frisch/Felix Hagenström/Nele Reeg; Bielefeld: transcript, 2022. DOI: 10.14361/9783839459669 )

”Wiederverwertung eigener Texte in der Wissenschaft“ (Felix Hagenström, 2022, Ombudsman für die Wissenschaft)

”Nachweis eigener Vorarbeiten (’Selbstplagiat‘ bzw. ’Textrecycling‘)“ (Contribution by Felix Hagenström for Level 3 of the DFG Code of Conduct, in collaboration with the editorial office)

Talks and Workshops

„Gute wissenschaftliche Praxis (GWP) & der DFG-Kodex“ (Felix Hagenström; Online talk as part of a series on DFG topics, organized by the Hochschulen für Angewandte Wissenschaften Baden-Württemberg, 29.03.2023)

„Ethik (in) der Politikwissenschaft“ (Felix Hagenström; participant of the discussion panel during the DVPW-conference „Politik und Profession“ on 22.02.2023 at the FU Berlin)

„Wie können Plagiate bewertet werden?“ (Felix Hagenström; talk at the Ombudssymposium on 16.02.2023 in Berlin). Slides of the talk

”Introduction to Good Scientific Practice“ (Katrin Frisch and Felix Hagenström; talk at the event „Good Scientific Practice“, ZIBI, 29.09.2022). Outline of the presentation

”QRP and the limitations of the FFP definition of research misconduct” (Felix Hagenström, Katrin Frisch and Nele Reeg; talk at the 7^th World Conference on Research Integrity in Cape Town, 30.05.2022). Slides of the talk

Interviews

”Kritik an österreichischer Plagiatsstudie“ (Article on FAZ.NET by Jochen Zenthöfer, 16.01.2023): This news article deals with a 2022 study on measures against plagiarism at higher education institutions in Austria. It also features some responses to the study, among others by Discussion Hub associate Felix Hagenström.

For more publications see https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7966-0444