University of Bremen - A Culture of Constructive Criticism and Learning from Mistakes

60 University of Bremen - A Culture of Constructive Criticism and Learning from Mistakes https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes ??? en University of Bremen Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:45:27 +0100 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:45:27 +0100 University of Bremen content-507016 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 The Problem https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c507016 Great caution and a high level of planning reduce errors in collaboration, but can also delay important developments. Taking risks is often necessary, even if this frequently leads to errors. Recognizing errors at an early stage and dealing with them in a timely manner offers great potential for process optimization, especially in dynamic workflows. Errors can indicate system limits or (personal) workloads, for example. Content content-507015 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 The Solution https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c507015 Further development in a more dynamic way and the willingness to dare to try new things form an essential prerequisite for its success to date. This flexibility requires an attitude among members at all levels of our institution that actively promotes a willingness to take risks in processes of research and collaboration and, if necessary, to make mistakes in the process. Thus, the further development of work and research fields requires continuous consideration of whether and when new processes should be initiated and at what speed they should be implemented. Content content-507014 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 The Processing https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c507014 Dealing with mistakes in research and cooperation processes at the University of Bremen should be done constructively and not repressively. This promotes: <ul> <li>a willingness to take risks in research,</li> <li>mutual trust and appreciation in cooperation, and</li> <li>a management style in which the processing of errors takes place promptly and in which root cause analysis, transparent communication, and, where relevant, measures to remedy system weaknesses are at the forefront of the error culture.</li> </ul> Content content-534464 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 A Culture of Constructive Criticism at the University of Bremen | Practical Examples https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c534464 Content content-507022 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 Predatory Publishing https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c507022 Problem Numerous German academics have published with so-called pirate publishers, including academics at the University of Bremen. In 2018, such dubious publishing practices in the German academic system were uncovered by various media outlets. <hr /> Solution At the University of Bremen, the issue was dealt with in a very open and transparent manner (<a class="externalLink" href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/university/university-communication-and-marketing/all-news/details/page?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=18194&amp;cHash=bc2695c10ef599a61c9a69c20d052732" target="_blank" title="Opens external link in new window">President on practices of predatory publishers</a>). In order to draw attention to the problem and to avoid further publications by dubious publishers, the following quality assurance measures were introduced: <ul> <li><a class="externalLink" href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/university/university-communication-and-marketing/all-news/details/page?tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=18183&amp;cHash=97ea2db185b427bbf00e6321cb29a24b" target="_blank" title="Opens external link in new window">University of Bremen Warns Of Predatory Publishers</a></li> <li><a class="externalLink" href="https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/research-profile/open-access-at-the-university-of-bremen" target="_blank" title="Opens external link in new window">Trusted quality assurance representatives in the publication process</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.suub.uni-bremen.de/literatur-verwalten/open-access-in-bremen/predatory-publishing/">Predatory Publishing - what is it?</a></li> </ul> Content content-507023 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 Publication Errors https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c507023 Problem Over the years, the demands on publications have steadily increased. At the same time, the likelihood of making mistakes increases with the sometimes decidedly extensive and data-rich work. For example, incorrect image files or incorrect data sets may be included in publications. <hr /> Solution To keep the number of errors low, additional review steps and formats can be implemented. One example is the "Data Integrity Declaration" linked <a class="externalLink" href="https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.uni-bremen.de%2Ffileadmin%2Fuser_upload%2Fforschung%2FFoto%2FGWP%2FData_integrity_declaration_Template_01.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK" target="_blank" title="Opens external link in new window">here</a> , which also makes it easier for outsiders to distinguish between errors and negligence. Content content-507021 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:14:41 +0100 Subject-Specific Requirements https://www.uni-bremen.de/en/research/academic-integrity-and-research-ethics/good-research-practice/a-culture-of-constructive-criticism-and-learning-from-mistakes#c507021 Problem The German Research Foundation's Code of <a class="externalLink" href="https://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/principles_dfg_funding/good_scientific_practice/index.html" target="_blank" title="Opens external link in new window">Good Research Practice</a> must remain abstract over large sections in order to do justice to the various scientific disciplines. Accordingly, there may be uncertainties concerning subject-specific matters. <hr /> Solution As an aid and orientation, individual areas can formulate adapted guidelines that also take into account subject-specific factors. One example is the&nbsp;<a class="externalLink" href="https://www.marum.de/Binaries/Binary20323/GSP-Guidelines-MARUM.pdf" target="_blank" title="Opens external link in new window">MARUM Guidelines.</a> Content