Our ethics and integrity policy

Hasselt University supports a research culture rooted in integrity, trust, and accountability. We do so by endorsing international and national codes on ethics and integrity, by putting our own frameworks and support systems in place and by encouraging researchers to take ownership of their ethical and scientific responsibilities.

Hasselt University's research integrity is embedded in the following frameworks:

• The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (ALLEA) is the European reference framework for good responsible research practices. It outlines good research practices and principles such as reliability, honesty, respect, and accountability.
• Belgian Code of Ethics for Scientific Research.
• The Magna Charta Universitatum outlines core principles for institutional autonomy, inseparability of research and education, and academic freedom in research and training. 

All staff members of Hasselt University – academic, administrative and technical – are asked to sign the UHasselt Integrity charter when joining the university. The charter sets out key expectations regarding academic and scientific integrity, confidentiality of certain information, protection of research results (for possible valorisation), responsibility and respect.  

We invite you to: 

• Download the UHasselt Integrity charter.
• Read our brochure on the integrity charter.

Integrity is a shared responsibility. Together we foster a strong and supportive integrity culture at Hasselt University.

Reporting concerns

Misconduct by researchers affiliated with UHasselt or a partner University College can be reported to the Commission on Scientific Integrity (CWI). Learn more about the Commission and how to report a concern.

The Code of Conduct on Conflicts of Interest provides a clear framework for recognising and handling potential or actual conflicts of interest, as well as situations where private and professional interests may overlap.

The code is based on principles of transparency, responsibility and respect for privacy, and is intended to help both staff members and students to navigate sensitive situations. 

Contact point

If you have a question or report related to conflicts of interests:

• email the central contact point: infobelangenconflicten@uhasselt.be.
• Students can also contact the ombudsperson of their programme. 
• PhD students can reach out to the Ombudsperson for PhD students.
• Staff members can find more information on the intranet (only in Dutch). 

Want to deepen your understanding of research integrity in practice?

• Explore the Mind the GAP online training tool.
• Listen to the Mind the GAP podcast (Spotify / Apple) for real-life stories and challenges from researchers across disciplines.

The steering Group Ethics and Integrity is an overarching council, consisting of all chairman of the Ethical Committees, as well as representatives from the department of Research, Education and Staff. The group connects all ethical committees and acts as a exchange point to inform about each other's work. 

Through its activities, the steering group 

• gives internal advice, both general and ad hoc, and suggests measures regarding ethical and integrity issues; 
• coordinates ethical committees at Hasselt University, more specifically on the subject of regulation, composition, operation and procedures;
• formulates recommendations for education and communication towards UHasselt-staff members and supports initiatives to grow the UHasselt integrity culture.

! Important: the Steering Group does not handle complaints or problems. 

Composition

• the chairman of the commission for research integrity: Geert Molenberghs
• the chairman of the medical ethics committee: Ivo Lambrichts
• the chairman of the social and societal ethics committee: Johan Ackaert
• the chairman of the commission for animal experimentation: Werend Boesmans/Esther Wolfs
• the chairman of the Biosafety commission: Karen Smeets
• the chairman of the human rights commission: Matthias Vanhullenbusch
• a honorary member of the Flemish commission for research integrity: Marcel Ameloot
• a ethicist: Wim Pinxten
• the rector: Bernard Vanheusden
• the vice rector research: Ken Haenen
• the vice rector education: Elke Hermans
• the director from the department research (OBI): Sadia Vancauwenbergh
• the director from the department education: Lien Mampaey
• the director from the department staff: Karel Bosmans
• a legal counsel from the rectorate department: Britt Loos
• a representative from the department OBI: Stefanie Kerkhofs
• a secretary from the department OBI: Stephanie Ruysschaert

Contact us

Send your question on ethics to the steering group via Integriteit@uhasselt.be.