23.1 Policy

Misconduct subject to this Chapter includes any activity undertaken by anyone affiliated with OIST Graduate University (University), including, without limitation, officers, employees, students, vendors, and contractors that violates applicable Japanese legal or regulatory provisions, or violates Bylaws, University Rules, Policies, Rules, and Procedures (PRPs) (collectively, “non- compliance”) and misconduct in research activities by these people. The scope of non-compliance includes public research fund misuse. Besides this Chapter, the University’s Code of Conduct and Research Ethics, Compliance and Prevention of Conflict of Interest, Operation and Management of Public Research, Avoiding Conflicts of Interest and Commitment, and Resolving Complaints & Disputes should be reviewed for additional guidance.

All officers, employees and students, who are the members of the University, are responsible for maintaining the highest ethical standards. To protect the integrity of the University community, and to ensure the highest standards of conduct by and among members of the University community, the University will investigate, in accordance with the rules set forth in this chapter, any alleged misconduct by faculty, employees, students, vendors, contractors and others having dealings with the University.

Any University officers, employees, students, vendors, and contractors found to have engaged in misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action by the University, up to and including termination of position or employment (officers and employee), expulsion (students), cancellation of contractual relationship (vendors and contractors), and civil or criminal prosecution if warranted.

23.1.1 Whistleblower Protection Policy

The University will not tolerate retaliatory action against any employee or student for making a good faith report of potential or suspected misconduct. Similarly, the University will not tolerate any direct or indirect use (or attempted use) of official authority or official influence for the purpose of interfering with the rights of an employee or a student to make a Protected Disclosure.