Policy on Responsibilities of Authors

Authors should ensure that a clear designation, delineation, and acceptance of authorship responsibility has been established. For more information, please review the institution policy on Authorship.

In addition to adhering to the institutional policy on Authorship, any potential or selected mentors and mentees should discuss the criteria for determining authorship for publications based on data, protocols, or code generated in their laboratory and with collaborators where the mentor(s) is/are the senior author(s). A similar discussion is necessary for determining authorship in studies involving multiple laboratories or consortia. Students with authorship concerns should openly discuss these with their mentor(s). If agreement is not reached, students should seek the advice of their thesis advisory committee and/or MTA directors.

Policy on Data Retention

All original laboratory data books or journals, etc., from which a publication is derived, must be stored in the laboratory for a minimum of six years from the date of publication. If the senior author leaves the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount School before the six-year period elapses, he/she/they will be required to retain and make available, if requested, to ISMMS all these data until the completion of this minimum time period. In the case of large ongoing database related research, the responsible investigator must retain the pertinent mass data storage device (cloud, hard drive, tape, disk, etc., not necessarily in hard copy) containing the data on which a publication is based. The stored data can be used for verification of data, as well as the base for ongoing studies of the same project. In the latter instance, however, a clarifying statement that describes the nature and the composition of the reutilized and incremental data should accompany the publication. The data storage device cannot be reused for unrelated projects. Although it is understood that this rule governing database storage may not be appropriate in all situations, individual modifications must be approved by the Dean. For additional information, please click on the "Research Administration Offices" section in the chapter on Research in the Faculty Handbook.

Failure to adhere to ISMMS’s standards of academic integrity will be treated as serious offenses, inconsistent with the goals and activities of the academic environment. Breaches of academic integrity will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the School. Some examples of unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating: Cheating includes using unauthorized notes, study aids, or information derived from any source, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools, on an examination or submitted work; altering a graded work after it has been returned, then submitting the work for re-grading; allowing another person or AI tool to do one's work and submitting that work under one's own name; submitting identical or similar papers for credit in more than one course without prior permission from the course instructors.

• Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the representation of the words or ideas of another person or language generated from AI/electronic based tools as your own on any submitted work regardless of whether or not that work is in final form. This includes collaborating with another on an assignment or assessment without the explicit permission of the course director. Work of others must be clearly delineated from your work and properly attributed using standard methods. If you have any questions about methods of properly citing sources, you should consult with the course director.

• Computer code and open-source code: Written computer code is considered the same as any other written document and as such it is also subject to this plagiarism policy. Unless explicitly stated by the course director, you may not use any code from other sources in your programming. When permission is given by a course director to use another’s code, it must be properly attributed using inline comments bracketing the borrowed code and the source of the material must be stated explicitly. Use of code libraries and/or AI tools is permissible only if specifically indicated in WRITTEN course information (e.g., the course syllabus or related documents) or approved by a PI in case of a thesis and with proper citation/attribution.

• Fabrication: Fabrication is falsifying or inventing any information, data, or citation; presenting data not gathered in accordance with standard guidelines defining the appropriate methods for collecting or generating data; utilizing AI/electronic based tools to create/generate information, data sets, or citations unless such information, data sets or citations are clearly individually identified as AI-generated; and failing to include an accurate account of the method by which the data were gathered or collected.

• Obtaining an Unfair Advantage: Students should not engage in (a) stealing, reproducing, circulating or otherwise gaining access to examination materials prior to the time authorized by the instructor; (b) stealing, destroying, defacing or concealing library materials with the purpose of depriving others of their use; (c) unauthorized collaborating on an academic assignment (d) retaining, possessing, using or circulating previously given examination materials, where those materials clearly indicate that they are to be returned to the instructor at the conclusion of the examination; (e) intentionally obstructing or interfering with another student's academic work, or (f) otherwise undertaking activity with the purpose of creating or obtaining an unfair academic advantage over other students' academic work.

• Aiding and Abetting Academic Dishonesty: This includes (a) providing material, information, or other assistance to another person with knowledge that such aid could be used in any of the violations stated above, or (b) providing false information in connection with any inquiry regarding academic integrity.

• Falsification of Records and Official Documents: Falsification of records and official documents is altering documents that affect academic records; forging signatures of authorization or falsifying information on an official academic document, grade report, letter of permission, petition, drop/add form, ID card, or any other official University document.

• Unauthorized Access to computerized academic or administrative records or systems: This includes viewing or altering computer records, modifying computer programs or systems, releasing or dispensing information gained via unauthorized access, or interfering with the use or availability of computer systems or information.

• Writing, Revision, Editing Assistance on Thesis Proposal or Thesis: All graded essays, papers, and problems, and all written materials submitted as part of the Thesis Proposal or the Thesis, must be entirely the work of the individual student or referenced appropriately. Even editing (e.g. syntax assistance for foreign students, use of AI tools) should be sought only if explicit permission is obtained.

• False Identity: Distance Education students will be subject to student identity verification processes intermittently throughout the online experience. Students are expected to fully and truthfully comply with all requests for information that verify identity.

• Sharing of test information: such as questions and answers through messaging apps, social media platforms, or other digital formats.

If faculty observe or have knowledge of students engaging in any of the above-mentioned activities, the faculty member should, depending on the circumstances, discuss the matter with the student at once. Students and faculty who know or suspect that any of the above-mentioned activities have occurred must report the matter immediately and in writing to the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs of the Graduate School. The Senior Associate Dean will consult with the student’s Program Director and the Course Director to review the allegation of academic misconduct. If this review finds merit to the suspected breach of academic integrity, the matter will be referred to the program specific discipline committee for a full investigation and to determine appropriate action. If the program does not have its own disciplinary review process, the matter will be referred to the Graduate School Committee for Academic Review. Appropriate action could include academic probation, suspension, or dismissal. If it is determined that the student has been involved in any form of academic misconduct on a course assignment or assessment, the student may receive an F for the assignment or assessment.

If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the academic review process, he/she/they are required to submit a written appeal as detailed in the section on the Committee for Academic Review.

The School hereby affirms its commitment to the highest ethical standards in the conduct of scientific research, the promotion of original research of high quality, and the importance of academic freedom. It also acknowledges that unethical conduct in research is extremely serious and threatens these principles. The School is, therefore, committed to preventing unethical conduct in research from occurring and, should it occur, to dealing with it swiftly, fairly, and thoroughly. Procedures for handling allegations of misconduct in research are described in detail in .

Allegations of misconduct in research must be reported to the Institution’s Research Integrity Officer (RIO) who will have primary responsibility for implementation of the institution’s policies and procedures on unethical practices in research. The RIO has general responsibility for overseeing the investigation of all allegations of unethical conduct in research and shall be available to:

• Consult confidentially with persons uncertain about whether to submit an allegation of unethical research practices, and if the allegations do not involve unethical practices in research, refer the individual to other offices with responsibility for resolving the issue.

• Receive allegations of suspected unethical research practices and work with the Research Integrity Committee to determine and pursue the appropriate method for investigating and resolving these allegations.

All incoming students in the following programs:

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences or Neuroscience

• MD/PhD

• MS in Biomedical Data Science

• MS in Biomedical Science

• MS in Biostatistics

must compete the Graduate School’s ½-credit Responsible Conduct of Research course in the fall semester of their first year and the ½-credit Rigor and Responsibility course in the spring of their first year. In addition, students in the above programs at Icahn for four years or more must take the Responsible Conduct in Research Refresher course in their fourth year. Students in the Clinical Research Programs, MS in Genetic Counseling, MS in Health Care Delivery Leadership, Master of Health Administration, Master of Public Health and Master of Science in Epidemiology participate in specific research and/or professional ethics courses or other required integrated curricular components, in order to meet the requirement for Responsible Conduct of Research.

General Policy The Ownership of Research Data policy is an institutional policy that governs issues relating to the ownership and use of research data, reagents, records, protocols, or code. The Handbook section Changes to a Mentor-Mentee Partnership addresses issues regarding data usage and presentation in the context of a mentee changing research mentor(s).

Authorship and Publication of Research Data The Handbook section Policy on Responsibilities of Authors addresses issues relating to authorship and the publication of research data, reagents, records, protocols, or code, including in the context of a research mentor-mentee partnership. The Handbook section Changes to a Mentor-Mentee Partnership addresses issues regarding data usage in connection with publication.

This chapter covers the academic policies for the ISMMS Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Students can find the following information in this chapter.

• Academic Integrity

• Policies and Procedures on Ethical Practices in Research

• Responsible Conduct in Research and Rigor and Reproducibility Courses

• Responsibilities of Authors

  • Protecting Whistleblowers

  • Financial Conflict of Interest

• General Rules of Conduct for ISMMS Students

ISMMS strongly believes in the importance of protecting whistleblowers from retaliation and addressing good faith allegations of such retaliation. Accordingly, the School affirms that it will adhere to any applicable policies and procedures promulgated by federal or other oversight agencies in dealing with such allegations. Whistleblower complaints or complaints of subsequent retaliation may be brought, as appropriate, to the School’s Faculty Relations Committee (see Faculty Handbook, Chapter III), Harassment Grievance Board (see Faculty Handbook, Chapter III), or Department of Human Resources, or Office of Compliance. Copies of the policies and procedures of the Harassment Grievance Board are available from the Office of the Dean, Reserve Section of the Levy Library, House Staff Affairs Office, the GSBS’s Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, and Office of Student Affairs. Human Resources policies are available from the Department of Human Resources.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

To provide the expectations of the general rules of conduct for all ISMMS students.

POLICY:

The general rules of conduct are as follows:

1. All ISMMS students are expected to comply with these General Rules of Conduct. Violations of these General Rules of Conduct shall be referred to the Office of Student Affairs for disposition, which could include the imposition of disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

2. All ISMMS students must obey all federal, state, and local laws.

3. All ISMMS students are expected to behave in a professional manner and are prohibited from conduct that impedes, obstructs, or interferes with the orderly and continuous administration and operation of ISMMS in carrying out its mission as an educational, research, and clinical institution or in the use of its facilities, or that in any way interferes with its rights as a campus proprietor. Such conduct shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

   1. Unreasonable interference with the rights of others.

   2. Intentional theft, damage to or misuse of ISMMS property.

   3. Unauthorized occupancy of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, faculty and administrative offices, patient care facilities, auditoriums, public halls and stairways, recreational areas and any other facilities used by ISMMS (unauthorized occupancy being defined as failure to vacate any such facility when duly requested by the Dean, an Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, or School or Hospital Administrator).

   4. Malicious use of or intentional damage to personal property, including records, papers, and writings of any member of the Mount Sinai Health System community.

   5. Any action or situation that endangers the mental or physical health of others.

   6. Inappropriate use of psychoactive substances.

   7. Any form of hate speech or harassment.

4. All ISMMS students are required to comply with all applicable Mount Sinai policies.

5. ISMMS students should conduct themselves appropriately everywhere on Mount Sinai campuses and at affiliated institutions. Appropriate behavior is particularly critical when participating in patient care or attending any functions at which patients may be present. In small group seminars, as well as during clinical activities, ISMMS students will be evaluated for, among other things, their responsibility, dependability, reliability, maturity, motivation, attitude, honesty, integrity, and ability to relate and interact effectively with others.

6. All ISMMS students are expected to use good judgement, be courteous, respectful, and thoughtful about how others may perceive or be affected by what they do or say. ISMMS students are expected to be cognizant of the fact that incomplete, inaccurate, threatening, harassing, illegally discriminatory, or carelessly worded statements may be harmful to others. Such conduct may damage relationships, undermine Mount Sinai’s brand or reputation, discourage teamwork, and negatively impact ISMMS’s commitment to research, education, patient care, and community service.

7. Equally important is the realization that responsibilities of members of ISMMS students do not end with the member’s own behavior but also include not tolerating inappropriate behavior among others. While formal mechanisms, outlined in other sections and policies, govern any specific allegations of inappropriate behavior, general issues should be able to be discussed freely among peers, faculty, and administration. If you have any concerns, you may discuss them with the appropriate Dean, faculty advisor, , or the School’s Ombuds Program or you may report the concern through an appropriate reporting portal (e.g., mistreatment portal, SafetyNet, or Corporate Compliance.). Mount Sinai prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at .

8. Violation of these rules of conduct may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from ISMMS.

As an academic institution, ISMMS has an obligation to assure that its students conduct scientific and clinical research pursuant to the highest standards of ethics, free from any improper external bias. At the same time, ISMMS encourages scientific collaboration with industry and supports collaborative research geared towards developing new and improved diagnostic and therapeutic products. ISMMS appreciates, however, that these economic relationships with industry have the potential for directly and significantly affecting the approval, design, conduct, monitoring or reporting of a research study. Situations can occur in which an independent observer might reasonably conclude that the potential for individual or institutional profit could influence the outcome of a research study. Even in the absence of an actual conflict of interest, such situations may require actions to minimize the appearance of a conflict. Therefore, to safeguard the academic integrity of both ISMMS and its investigators, the institution has adopted a rigorous conflicts policy predicated on full disclosure and appropriate management.

The Policy on Financial Conflict of Interest in Research sets out the requirements for disclosing potential conflicts of interest in research and specifies the procedures for reviewing such disclosures and determining what corrective measures, if any, should be instituted. Furthermore, this policy includes clinical trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of a drug, medical device or treatment, and research on technology in which the Investigator/Covered Person and/or the Institution has an ongoing financial interest, to the most rigorous review and stringent conditions.

This policy is based on the standards set forth in the federal regulations governing research funded by the Public Health Service (PHS) or the National Science Foundation (NSF) (42 CFR Part 50 Subpart F) and the recommendations promulgated by the Association of Academic Medical Centers.

For more information, please review the complete ISMMS policy on .