Research Integrity Officer (RIO)

Research Integrity Officer (RIO): Advancing a Culture of Responsible Research

Research Integrity Starts with Us

Promoting ethical research practices, supporting responsible scholarship, and protecting the integrity of the research process at Marshall University. Integrity is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge. Marshall University is committed to fostering a research environment grounded in honesty, transparency, accountability, and respect for the scholarly process.

The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) supports this commitment through education on responsible research practices and the review of allegations of research misconduct. Whether you are seeking guidance on research ethics, arranging training for your department, or asking questions about a potential concern, the RIO serves as a resource for the Marshall research community.

Who to Contact?

Richard D. Egleton, PhD
Interim Research Integrity Officer
MURC, ORI, RIO
304-696-3523
egleton@marshall.edu

How the RIO Can Help

Education & Training

Learn about responsible research practices, ethical decision-making, and the standards that guide research at Marshall University. Customized training is available for departments, programs, and research teams.

Guidance & Consultation

Get guidance on research integrity expectations, university policies, and questions about potential research misconduct. If you are unsure whether a concern falls under the research integrity policy, you may consult with the RIO before filing a formal complaint.

Research Misconduct Review

The RIO reviews allegations of research misconduct, including fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, in accordance with applicable university policies and procedures.

Understanding Research Integrity

Research integrity involves using honest and verifiable methods when proposing, conducting, reviewing, and reporting research. It includes following applicable laws, regulations, university policies, and accepted professional standards.

All university employees engaged in research share responsibility for upholding these principles.

The Three Categories of Research Misconduct

Fabrication is making up data or results and recording them in the research record.

Falsification is manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results so that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.

Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.

Training & Educational Resources

Building a culture of research integrity begins with education and open conversation. The RIO can help faculty, staff, students, researchers, and academic departments explore the ethical responsibilities associated with research. Training can be developed to address the needs of your department, program, or research team. To discuss a customized training session, email rio@marshall.edu. Training opportunities may also be announced through Marshall University Research Corporation (MURC) scheduled events.

Recording Oct. 20, 2026: Meet the RIO

Welcome from RIO and quick overview of Research Integrity and Research Misconduct