Complaints about violations of academic integrity can be submitted to the committee’s secretariat (see below). A complaint must always include a clear description of the violation and the name of the employee involved. Complaints that do not meet all formal requirements may not be dealt with. For further details of these requirements, see the Regulations on Complaints Regarding Academic Integrity at Leiden University and the LUMC. 

If the substance of the complaint is going to be dealt with, the committee will investigate the complaint in accordance with the complaints regulations and the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity. 

The employee to whom the complaint relates is given the opportunity to submit a statement of defence. A hearing is also held, during which both parties can provide a verbal explanation of their positions and the committee can ask questions.

After the investigation, the committee formulates its advice on the merits of the complaint and submits it to the Executive Board. The Executive Board then decides whether to adopt the advice and, if the complaint is upheld, which measures will be taken. This decision, including the advice, is sent to both parties.

If one of the parties does not agree, the decision can be submitted for a second opinion to the Netherlands Board on Research Integrity (LOWI), which then reviews the complaint and the procedure followed. Following the LOWI procedure, the Executive Board takes a final decision on the complaint.

Everyone involved in the handling of a complaint must maintain strict confidentiality. This means that neither party is permitted to publicly discuss or comment on the complaint until the committee has issued its opinion. Parties involved in a complaint may be assisted throughout the process, for example by a lawyer.

If you are unsure as to whether you should submit a complaint or if you have other concerns that you would prefer to discuss in confidence, you can always first contact one of the confidential counsellors. 

The confidential counsellors can help with mediation efforts or attempts to resolve the matter in some other way. They can also offer advice and guidance about submitting a complaint to the committee.