Mandate of the Competence Centre
The numerous issues and challenges facing scientific integrity have led to the establishment of the Swiss Competence Centre for Scientific Integrity (SCCIS), which opened on 1 January 2026. The Centre’s role will be to ensure scientific integrity and uphold its principles across Swiss higher education institutions, providing an overview and facilitating sound scientific practice.
Tasks and Responsibilities of the Competence Centre
In order to ensure quality and compliance with the principles of scientific integrity, the Centre has defined specific tasks to be performed by the Council for Scientific Integrity or the Administrative Office, acting on behalf of the University Council.
Specifically, its tasks are as follows:
Report and Monitoring
to receive reports and monitor procedures, with the universities and other higher education institutions being obliged to report investigations and sanctions taken each year (without divulging data regarding those concerned)
Advisory Services for Higher Education Institutions
to support the universities and other higher education institutions with their enquiries and advise on procedure in the event of suspected infringements of scientific integrity or lack of scientific probity;
Facilitating Contacts and Networking
to facilitate networking between institutions and national or international experts;
Referral of Individuals with Inquiries
to direct people with questions relating to scientific integrity to the relevant university departments or other higher education institutions;
Promotion of Good Scientific Practice
to assist evaluation of procedures relating to scientific integrity and to promote development and dissemination of good scientific practices
Preparation of the Annual Report
to prepare the annual report for the Swiss Higher Education Council and information aimed at the public.
Training and Capacity Building
to provide training.
Provision of Information
to manage the website and information portal for the relevant departments in the higher education sector.
Conversely, the Swiss Competence Centre for Scientific Integrity will not advise individuals, who will only be directed to the relevant university and higher education institution departments.
Furthermore, the Swiss Competence Centre for Scientific Integrity will not conduct any proceedings itself and does not act as an appeal body.