Cross‑Institute Workshop on Good Scientific Practice

Postdocs and ombudspersons from three Max Planck Institutes discussed research integrity and emerging challenges.

For the first time, postdoctoral researchers from three Max Planck Institutes, the MPI for Biology of Ageing, the MPI for Metabolism Research, and the MPI for Plant Breeding Research, came together at MPI AGE for a joint refresher workshop on Good Scientific Practice (GSP). The event created a valuable space for exchange across institutes and research disciplines, strengthening dialogue on shared standards and responsibilities in scientific work.

The interactive workshop, led by Gabriella Lundkvist, combined short thematic inputs with live Mentimeter quizzes and group discussions. Key topics included research misconduct, documentation, data analysis, authorship, conflicts of interest, supervision, and the importance of giving appropriate credit to others. Particular attention was paid to research biases and the challenges of objective data analysis, including practices such as p hacking, cherry picking, and HARKing (Hypothesizing After the Results are Known).

A special highlight of the workshop was the joint panel discussion with the three institute ombudspersons — Heiko Backes, Franziska Turck, and Jorge Boucas — who, for the first time, engaged together in an open dialogue with participants. The discussion focused strongly on whistleblowing, institutional responsibility, and the importance of fostering research environments in which concerns can be raised openly, safely, and constructively.

Throughout the workshop, it became clear that good scientific practice is not merely a formal framework, but a living responsibility that requires continuous reflection and active engagement in everyday research. The discussions also emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue as scientific practice evolves, particularly in light of rapidly developing technologies such as artificial intelligence.

The session concluded with a guest lecture by Evita Milan (Steinbeis), who addressed the use of AI in science and the implications of the EU AI Act, connecting established principles of research integrity with emerging regulatory and ethical challenges.

The organizers — Gabriella Lundkvist, Francesca Stomeo, and Anna Sieben — would like to thank all participants for their active engagement and for contributing to a highly successful and insightful event.