Research-Related Policy

Graduate education and research are interrelated enterprises. Many Stanford graduate students conduct research under the guidance and sponsorship of Stanford faculty members. The Vice Provost and Dean of Research has primary responsibility for oversight of the research enterprise. Several policies in that arena are particularly relevant to graduate education.

• Research Policy Handbook A collection of policies, guidelines and general information related to the research enterprise at Stanford University.
  

Academic Authorship

Guidelines for academic authorship, including the allocation of responsibility and credit for scholarly publications.

Multi-Authored Research Papers

Guidelines for manuscripts produced by multi-investigator research teams, addressing coherence, review, co-authorship and maintenance of data.

Intellectual Property

Policies on copyrights and patents resulting from University work. All graduate students and postdoctoral fellows (as well as all faculty, staff and visitors engaged in research) sign the Stanford University Patent and Copyright Agreement in Axess.

Openness in Research

Reinforces the principle of freedom of access by all interested persons to the underlying data, processes and final results of research. Stanford University will not accept funding for research projects that require secrecy.

Relationships Between Students and Outside Organizations

Summary of policies on the establishment of relationships between students and outside entities, such as private companies or non-profit organizations, as part of or outside the student's academic program at Stanford. Covers the open vs. proprietary nature of the work, the ownership of intellectual property, and possible conflicts of commitment and interest.

Research Compliance

Administrative panels review and approve research projects to safeguard the rights and welfare of all human research subjects, ensure the humane care and use of laboratory animals, and protect the safety of personnel and the general public in the areas of biosafety and radiological safety.

Research Misconduct

Defines procedure for handling allegations, investigations, and reporting of research misconduct. Each member of the University community has a responsibility to foster an environment which promotes intellectual honesty and integrity, and which does not tolerate fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in any aspect of research or scholarly endeavor.

Guidelines for Good Practices in the Graduate Student-Faculty Advisor Relationship

Describes practices that the great majority of faculty and students, here and elsewhere, routinely follow as a matter of common sense, courtesy, and basic honesty.

Graduate Student Assistantships

Administrative Guide 24.2 defines the terms of appointment and compensation for graduate students appointed as Research Assistants (RAs) and Teaching Assistants (TAs).