ShareProtocol in cases of fraud
If inaccuracies are found in the assessment dossier, the Protocol for action in the event of cases of fraud in teaching staff assessment processes will be initiated.
Minor inaccuracies
These are inaccuracies that relate to the criteria, whether documentary or similar, that must be met for the merit to be evaluated. Examples include, among others of equal significance:
- the declaration of articles as pending publication when they have not been sent to the publisher.
- the declaration of articles as accepted when they do not meet this condition.
- the inclusion, in the section on the results of research activity, of contributions of which the applicant is not the author, even if they may be credited in the acknowledgements section.
In these cases, the applicant will be notified that the inaccuracies have been detected so that they may present any allegations they deem appropriate. Once they have been analysed, the resolution with regard to these inaccuracies will be communicated in the assessment report itself or in a separate specific report. In the event that the information provided is found to be false, the serious inaccuracy protocol will be triggered.
Serious inaccuracies or fraud
Serious inaccuracies or fraud are defined as those involving the false attribution of merits that the applicant does not possess. Examples include, among others:
- the false attribution of authorship or co-authorship of articles.
- the false attribution of artistic or architectural works.
- the false attribution of participation in projects.
- the usurpation or supplanting of other people's merits.
- the presentation of false documents.
In these cases, the applicant will be notified that serious inaccuracies have been detected and that a hearing process is being opened, in which they may submit allegations (in person or in writing). The outcome of the hearing process will determine whether the application for assessment is rejected or not.
In parallel, and once the applicant's fraud has been verified, the Agency will initiate the proceedings provided for in the applicable regulations by:
- initiating the procedure to annul any administrative actions that AQU Catalunya may have taken on the basis of false declarations.
- suspending the right to submit a new application for assessment for 2 years.
- bringing the matter to the attention of other bodies or institutions.
- In more serious cases, such as the usurpation or supplanting of the merits of others or the submission of false documents, AQU Catalunya will initiate the corresponding criminal proceedings.