Compliance guidelines

1. Preamble

Whereas RUB, as a community of students, researchers, and members of staff, is aware of the role it plays within society and its responsibilities related thereto. Accordingly, RUB has devised these Compliance Guidelines, which define the principles of behavior that shall govern the conduct of its members and affiliates.
The trust that our students and researchers as well as the maintenance and administration staff, the public and of our science and business partners put into all RUB members and affiliates to behave in a responsible, law-abiding and morally integer manner is of the utmost importance for our University's reputation and success.
Our motto "humane - accomplished - open to the worlde" is both our pledge and our claim with respect to how our members, affiliates, visitors and external partners conduct their internal professional relations as well as their external interactions.

2. Guidelines

The conduct of the University, its members and affiliates is naturally in line with statue and law. These Guidelines specify the fundamental requirements regarding the actions and behavior of RUB members and affiliates. They point out those areas that are particularly relevant for the University's everyday operations. These Guidelines have been devised to encourage each individual to act in an autonomous and responsible manner. The drafting of the RUB Guidelines is explained in supplementary documentation which is cross-referenced in the Guidelines.

Integrity in Business Transactions

RUB shall not tolerate any corruption, bribery and accepting of advantages whatsoever. Property of Ruhr-Universität Bochum shall not be used for personal purposes or removed from the University premises. This does not apply to the use of work equipment for official purposes outside the University premises.
The personal (co-) use of mobile communication and DV devices is permitted as per standard practice.

Transparent and Correct Processes

Decision-making processes affecting individuals shall be governed by adequate norms and regulations.
Business processes shall be duly documented in a transparent manner.
Correct and complete recording of accounting-relevant information is ensured through an adequate internal control system.

Division of business interests and private interest

RUB members and affiliates must not let their private interests interfere with the University's interests. HR-related decisions, exams or business transactions with third parties shall be solely and exclusively governed by objective criteria.

Compliance with Good Research Practice Standards

Within the limits of the powers conferred on it, RUB ensures that its members and affiliates as well as all people employed in its organizations adhere to the principles of good research practice.

Intellectual Property Rights

Scientific discoveries and intellectual properties shall not be passed on to third parties without the approval of the authorized party. The property rights of third parties shall be respected.

Foreign trade law and export controls in international cooperation

The export control regulations are part of the comprehensive national and international strategy, which is primarily intended to prevent the dangers associated with the uncontrolled accumulation of conventional armaments, the targeted violation of human rights and the threats posed by international terrorism.

Knowledge of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons and associated missiles, as well as of civilian goods that are or may be intended for the use or development of such weapons, represents a particular potential danger, just like the goods themselves. As a result, such goods and also such knowledge may not be freely supplied to any recipient in any country.

Some states try to obtain such strategically relevant knowledge and, if necessary, pass it on to other states for profit. You should therefore not close your eyes to the risks and dangers of even unknowing involvement.

As soon as research and teaching is carried out across borders, export control regulations may need to be observed. This not only applies to research projects abroad, but can also become relevant when you invite guest researchers, write emails or transport items abroad.

To help you deal with this matter, you will find information and contact persons in the service portal. This will enable you to assess the risks of your research.

You will soon find further information and contact persons in the service portal.

Nagoya Protocol

The Nagoya Protocol (Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization) is an international environmental agreement to implement the goals of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of 1993.

The Nagoya Protocol creates an international legal framework for access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits. On the basis of mutual consent, a balance is to be struck between the different interests of the countries of origin of genetic resources and those countries in which the genetic resources are used. In particular, the biopiracy denounced by developing countries is to be curbed in this way.

Further information and contact persons will soon be available on the service portal.

Open Teaching & Learning Culture

RUB promotes and encourages a learning culture that values an open dialogue between all parties.

Protection of Humans and Environment

RUB is aware of its responsibility for health and safety of humans. It advocates the protection of the environment and of animals.

Promoting and Maintaining Equal Opportunity

RUB promotes equal opportunity and diversity. Both are essential requirements for the University's good reputation and success.

Fair Treatment among Employees and Students

RUB members and affiliates shall treat each other as well as RUB visitors in a friendly, sober, appreciative and respectful manner.
Discrimination and harassment of any kind shall not be tolerated.
Executive and teaching personnel carry particular responsibility. They shall organise and manage their areas of responsibility in such a manner that compliance with legal and university-specific rules and regulations is ensured.

Continuous Optimisation

RUB faces new challenges in a constructive manner. In the interest of maintaining high quality standards and optimum service, complaints and suggestions for improvement are reviewed and processed in a quick and fair manner.

Implementation

The conduct of RUB, its members and affiliates is defined by personal responsibility, honesty, loyalty and respect for other people and the environment. The objectives pertaining to these Guidelines can only be achieved if all parties contribute to their implementation.

RUB provides coaching and training as well as access to all relevant information sources to all members and affiliates of the University in order to prevent law infringements and violations of regulations.

All RUB members and affiliates are responsible for adhering to the Compliance Guidelines. As role models, executive and teaching personnel carry particular responsibility. In case of complaints, RUB members and affiliates have the option to address their concerns to their superiors or, if necessary, to the executive staff at a higher level, or to University management. The RUB ombudsperson is available for confidential consultations.