In order to maintain the public trust, UNT is committed to promoting the highest possible ethical standards in research and scholarly conduct.  The occurrence of research misconduct undermines the integrity of the institution and damages the reputation of all researchers affiliated with the institution.  Therefore, the University must respond appropriately whenever an allegation of research misconduct is made.  The purpose of the University’s research misconduct policy is to define actions constituting research misconduct and to establish clear and coherent procedures for responding to research misconduct allegations in a thorough, timely, and fair manner.