Das Symposium der Ombudspersonen in der Wissenschaft 2023

To discuss current topics of good research practice that affect the work of ombudspersons at research institutions, the so-called Ombudssymposium takes place in Germany every two years. Under the heading “What Can and Should Ombudspersons Do? Framework and Limits of Ombuds Work”, this year's event focused on the practical challenges ombudspersons face in counselling and conflict mediation. The approximately 200 participants discussed current developments, such as the influence of algorithms like ChatGPT on research and research integrity. In numerous presentations and in a panel discussion, experts from the field reported on their experiences and on aspects that, in their opinion, should be examined more closely to create more clarity for ombudspersons (for example in the field of law). Successful and positive developments in recent years, such as the implementation of the new DFG Code of Conduct “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice” and the formation of networks among ombudspersons, were lined out. By making the public part of the symposium accessible to a larger audience via video recordings, the contributions encourage further debate.