Terms of Use | Science Integrity Alliance

Terms of Use

Last Updated: 07/16/2025

1. Introduction and Acceptance

Science Integrity Alliance, LLC ("SIA," "we," "us," "our") operates www.sci-integrity.com and its associated services (collectively, the "Website"). By accessing or using the Website, you agree to these Terms of Use ("Terms").

2. Definitions

"Content" encompasses all materials available on the Website, including but not limited to text, images, videos, publications, and data.
"User Content" means any content submitted by users.
"Services" includes all features and functionalities provided through the Website.
"Platform" means the Website, social media channels, services, and resources provided by SIA.
"Partner" refers to any independent entity participating in our Partnership Program.
"Member" refers to individuals or organizations with active paid memberships to SIA.

3. Privacy and Data Protection

3.1. SIA values your privacy and is dedicated to protecting the personal information you share with us through the Website. We are committed to following relevant data protection regulations to ensure the security of your data.

3.2. Our Privacy Policy details how we collect, use, and safeguard your information, including personal information, usage data, and cookies. By accessing or using our Website, you consent to the data practices described in the Privacy Policy. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.

3.3. We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any significant changes will be communicated to you through the Website or via email. By continuing to use the Website after such updates, you agree to the revised Privacy Policy.

3.4. It is your responsibility to understand how we handle your information and to periodically review our Privacy Policy. You agree to these data practices as a condition of using our Website and to make informed decisions about your privacy.

4. Your Representations

By accessing or using our Website, you represent that:

4.1. You are at least 18 years old, or if you are between 13 and 17 years old, you have obtained parental or guardian consent to use the Website and to agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy on your behalf.

4.2. As the parent or guardian of a child under the age of 13, you may allow your child to access or use the Junior Hub, a section of the Website specifically designed for younger users, by agreeing to these Terms and our Privacy Policy. By granting access, you consent to the collection of anonymous, non-personal information through cookies, used solely for essential site functionality and performance improvements, as outlined in the Privacy Policy. You are solely responsible for supervising your child's activity on this page and ensuring compliance with these Terms.

4.3. You have reviewed our Privacy Policy and understand how your information is collected, used, and shared as a condition of your use of the Website.

4.4. All information you provide on this Website is accurate, complete, and current, and you will promptly update it as necessary.

4.5. You own or have necessary rights to share any content you submit.

4.6. You assume all risks associated with using the Website.

4.7. You have not been previously suspended or removed from using our Services.

5. User Conduct

5.1. You must use the Website in compliance with these Terms and all applicable laws. The following activities are strictly prohibited:

a) Unauthorized access, interference, or security breaches, including attempts to access other user accounts or our systems;

b) Sharing or distributing content that is illegal, infringing, false, misleading, defamatory, or harmful;

c) Impersonation, misrepresentation of affiliation, or any fraudulent activity;

d) Spam, unsolicited messages, unauthorized advertising, or activities that disrupt the Website's normal operation;

e) Collecting user data without explicit consent;

f) Harassment, threats, or any form of abusive behavior towards others;

g) Any activity that interferes with or disrupts the Services or connected networks.

5.2. Although we are not obligated to monitor user conduct, we reserve the right to:

a) Investigate any suspected violations of these Terms;

b) Take appropriate action against violations, at our sole discretion;

c) Remove or disable access to any content that we determine violates these Terms or is otherwise harmful or objectionable;

d) Terminate or suspend access to the Website for users who violate these Terms.

5.3. When participating in the HIKE forum, our dedicated platform for scientific discussions, you agree to adhere to the HIKE forum Code of Conduct and Posting Guidelines.

5.4. Violations of these Terms, including the Code of Conduct where applicable, may result in:

a) Warnings or temporary restrictions on account privileges;

b) Temporary or permanent bans from specific features or the entire Website;

c) Termination of membership without refund, if applicable;

d) Reporting to law enforcement authorities and/or legal action, if necessary.

5.5. The specific action taken for violations will depend on the nature and severity of the violation, as determined at our sole discretion. If you observe any violations of these Terms or the Code of Conduct, please contact us promptly via email to report them.

6. Intellectual Property

6.1. The Website contains both proprietary content and openly licensed content.

6.2. Content Licensing:

a) Unless explicitly stated otherwise on the relevant content, all content from LEARN, MIRROR, MOSAIC, the Junior Hub, and the Integrity Café is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.

b) All other Content, including Content available through Premium Membership subscription plans described on section 9, SIA's name, logos, trademarks, product and service names, designs, and slogans, is proprietary and may not be used without our prior written permission.

6.3. Use of Proprietary Content:

a) No rights to proprietary Content are transferred to you.

b) The use, reproduction, distribution, or modification of proprietary Content without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited.

c) Partners may use certain proprietary Content as per our branding guidelines, subject to prior written approval.

6.4. Use of CC BY-NC 4.0 Licensed Content:

a) For content licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0, you are free to:

i) Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format.

ii) Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material.

b) SIA cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you comply with the terms of the license.

c) You must provide appropriate credit to SIA, include a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may provide attribution in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests SIA endorses you or your use.

d) You may distribute adapted material under different terms, provided they are also non-commercial and do not impose legal or technological restrictions beyond those of the original license.

e) You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.

6.5. User Submissions: By submitting ideas, suggestions, documents, or proposals to SIA through the Website, you grant us a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform such submissions.

6.6. Contributor Submissions:
Contributors are individuals who have been invited by SIA to co-create or provide content, either on a voluntary basis or through an independent contractor agreement. These contributions may include, but are not limited to, written materials, graphics, training content, curated resources, or multimedia. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all Contributor submissions are granted to SIA under a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sub-licensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, prepare derivative works of, display, and perform such materials. Contributions will be released under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license, unless explicitly stated otherwise in a separate agreement. Appropriate attribution will be provided to Contributors wherever applicable. Where a written agreement exists between the Contributor and SIA, such agreement governs the copyright and licensing terms of the contributions.

6.7. Copyright Infringement Notices:

We respect the intellectual property rights of others. If you believe any content on our Website infringes your copyright, please submit a written notice to us with the following:

a) Your contact information (name, address, phone number, email);

b) Details of the copyrighted work allegedly infringed;

c) The location of the allegedly infringing content on our Website;

d) A statement of your good faith belief that the use is not authorized;

e) A statement, under penalty of perjury, that your claim is accurate and you're authorized to act for the copyright owner;

f) A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or their authorized representative.

Please send notices to: Legal Department, Science Integrity Alliance, 8950 SW 74TH CT STE 1901, MIAMI, FLORIDA 33156, USA, with an electronic copy to admin@sci-integrity.com. We'll review and respond to properly submitted notices in accordance with applicable law.

7. Third-Party Websites and Services

7.1. Our Website may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by SIA.

7.2. We do not endorse, have any responsibility for, or exercise any control over these third-party websites, their content, or their privacy practices.

7.3. Your use of third-party websites or services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies. We strongly encourage you to review these before using any third-party service.

7.4. Any interactions you have with third-party websites or services, including purchases or transactions, are solely between you and the third party. SIA is not responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from such interactions.

7.5. Through its Partnership Program, SIA provides a platform connecting independent entities to foster collaboration in research integrity, as described in Sections 9 and 10. Program participation does not imply SIA endorsement or responsibility for Partners' actions, content, or privacy practices. SIA is not responsible for any issues arising from the use of Partner services.

7.6. Whether a link is provided for general reference or as part of the Partnership Program, users are responsible for evaluating the suitability of any Partner or third-party service for their needs.

7.7. Browse Solutions Page:

a) Information Sources: Browse Solutions features information about no-cost research integrity tools and services compiled from publicly available sources and partner submissions. SIA does not guarantee that all listed providers have approved or been consulted regarding their inclusion.

b) Scope and Updates: Browse Solutions may not include all available no-cost research integrity solutions and will be continuously amended to add new entries or remove those that were included in error.

c) User Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for evaluating the suitability of any listed solution, conducting due diligence before use, verifying current availability and terms with solution providers, and ensuring compliance with any licensing requirements.

d) User-Generated Content: User ratings, reviews, and feedback represent individual opinions and experiences. SIA does not verify, endorse, or assume responsibility for user-submitted content regarding listed solutions. User feedback may be shared with SIA partners but not with non-partner solution providers.

e) Information Currency: Solution information may become outdated. SIA makes no commitment to maintain current information and users should verify details directly with providers.

7.8. Third-Party Commercial Providers:

SIA facilitates connections between users and third-party solution providers through the Marketplace and advertising placements. All commercial transactions and relationships are solely between users and third-party providers. SIA does not endorse third-party providers and assumes no responsibility for their contract terms, service delivery, pricing, or claims.

8. Basic Membership

8.1. To access certain features of the Website, you may need to register for a free account, or basic membership. When you register, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information.

8.2. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. This includes taking precautions to protect your account information and logging out of your account at the end of each session.

8.3. You agree to immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security.

8.4. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at our discretion, without prior notice, if we believe you have violated these Terms.

9. Premium Membership

9.1. We offer individual, institutional and partner-sponsored premium membership subscription plans. Institutional memberships are available for universities, research institutes, professional societies, and corporate organizations, with tiered pricing based on user volume. Partner-sponsored memberships are available exclusively to SIA Partners for their employees and members.

9.2. Premium membership benefits and pricing are detailed on our Membership page.

9.3. Individual memberships are available for purchase through the Website. Institutional memberships and partner-sponsored memberships are established through direct engagement between entities and SIA pursuant to separately executed agreements.

9.4. Partner-sponsored memberships are governed by both these Terms of Use and SIA Partnership Program terms detailed in Section 10.

9.5. Collaborative fund memberships are offered to individuals and as an add-on for institutional memberships. The collaborative project funding process is detailed in Section 10.11. For collaborative fund memberships:

a) Members acknowledge that funding availability depends on total contributions received and that not all proposed projects may receive funding.

b) Collaborative fund contributions are allocated to projects at SIA's sole discretion within member-selected priority areas.

c) Funding allocation decisions are final and not subject to member approval or veto.

d) SIA reserves the right to redirect funds to alternative projects within the selected priority area if original projects become unfeasible.

e) SIA provides no guarantee regarding specific project outcomes, timelines, funding amounts, or return on investment.

f) Members acknowledge that collaborative projects involve multiple independent Partners, and SIA assumes no responsibility for Partner performance, deliverables, or project completion.

g) Members waive any claims to intellectual property, ownership rights, or commercial benefits arising from funded collaborative projects.

9.6. All premium memberships auto-renew annually with advance notice and option to cancel. Cancelled memberships remain active until the end of the current term.

9.7. Membership fees are non-refundable and not tax-deductible.

9.8. Memberships may be terminated by SIA for reasons including, but not limited to:

a) Violations of these Terms of Use;

b) Violations of our Code of Conduct;

c) Engaging in prohibited activities as outlined in Section 5.1;

d) Failure to pay membership fees;

e) Any other conduct that, in our sole discretion, is harmful to SIA, its members, or the scientific community at large.

SIA reserves the right to terminate membership for other reasons not explicitly listed here, as deemed necessary to protect the integrity and purpose of the organization.

9.9. In the event of membership termination, no refund or compensation will be provided.

9.10. Benefits and pricing are reviewed annually and may be adjusted. Premium members will be notified of any changes in advance.

10. Partnership Program

10.1. SIA connects independent entities through its Partnership Program to advance scientific integrity.

10.2. Partners receive access to a Partner-exclusive forum for engagement and collaboration, visibility through logo display and promotional features across our Platform, and up to 5 complimentary individual memberships (including 1 mandatory organizational account), all at no cost.

10.3. Partners are responsible for managing and paying for any additional sponsored memberships beyond the complimentary 5, including maintaining updated member lists and ensuring compliance with membership terms.

10.4. SIA does not control or assume responsibility for Partner-provided services or products offered on its Website.

10.5. Partners manage their own transactions and service delivery independently.

10.6. SIA may feature Partner activities and materials that align with our mission. Such features are for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.

10.7. Partners agree to SIA displaying their logos, names, and website links across platforms. SIA determines presentation format and may feature Partners in promotional materials, including social media, publications, and advertising placements.

10.8. SIA reserves the right to modify or discontinue any program features or participation at its sole discretion, without obligation to provide notice of changes.

10.9. The Partnership Program operates without formal bilateral agreements. Participation is governed by these Terms of Use and the published Partnership Guidelines. To initiate participation, eligible entities must submit the Partnership Program Form—confirming their understanding of the terms—and create an organizational account on the Website. Partners are responsible for notifying SIA once the account is created so that a Partner badge can be assigned. Academic institutions and professional societies may participate as Institutional Supporters under the same terms.

10.10. Users may encounter services, products, or content from our Partners on the Website. While we strive to connect with entities that align with our mission, Partner services and products are provided independently from SIA, under the Partner's own terms and conditions. Users should review each Partner's terms and conditions, which govern all interactions with Partner services. SIA is not responsible for any issues arising from Partner services, products, or user interactions with Partners.

10.11. Collaborative Project Funding Process:

a) SIA periodically announces project funding opportunities in priority areas based on available Collaborative Fund contributions.

b) Only projects co-developed by multiple independent Partners are eligible to submit proposals for funding.

c) SIA's Advisory Board evaluates and recommends proposals for funding based on merit, alignment with priority areas, and available funds, the Financial Oversight Committee oversees funding allocation and ensures proper use of member contributions, and the Executive Director makes final approval decisions on funding selections.

d) Selected projects are governed by separate project agreements between participating Partners and SIA.

e) Partners remain responsible for project execution, deliverables, and outcomes as outlined in individual project agreements.

f) SIA reserves the right to modify funding amounts, timelines, or requirements based on available contributions and operational needs.

11. Commercial Services

11.1. SIA provides commercial services to support our mission while connecting the research integrity community with relevant solutions and providers. Our services include a member-exclusive Marketplace and advertising opportunities across our Platform. SIA receives compensation through Marketplace referral fees and advertising revenue. Users are responsible for independently evaluating all commercial offerings and provider credentials.

11.2. Marketplace Services:

The Marketplace features paid research integrity solutions, accessible exclusively to SIA's Premium Membership subscribers. Marketplace providers enter into separate commercial agreements with SIA outlining performance-based fee structures and discount commitments. SIA facilitates introductions between members and providers but assumes no responsibility for contract terms, service delivery, pricing, discount availability, or disputes.

11.3. Advertising Services:

a) SIA offers advertising opportunities including Browse Solutions card placements, REACH digital magazine advertisements, sponsored articles, and social media promotions. Partners receive discounted rates.

b) All advertising and sponsored content must comply with SIA template requirements and content standards as determined by our Editorial Review Committee. The Editorial Review Committee has sole discretion to approve, reject, or require modifications to any commercial content, and advertisers must adhere to SIA-provided template requirements and content guidelines.

c) SIA reserves the right to reject advertising content that violates our editorial standards or applicable laws. For approved advertising, SIA may remove content for policy violations with reasonable notice and opportunity to cure when possible.

d) All paid content is clearly labeled as advertising or sponsored material. Advertisers are solely responsible for content accuracy, legality, and compliance with applicable laws.

12. MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

12.1. All operational decisions, including those made by the SIA's Advisory Board, Financial Oversight Committee, and Editorial Review Committee, are at SIA's sole discretion.

12.2. These decisions are final and binding and cannot be appealed or challenged by users or members.

13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS

THE WEBSITE AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE". THE ALLIANCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. SIA ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR:

a) CONTENT ERRORS, INACCURACIES, OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS;

b) PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE FROM WEBSITE USE;

c) INTERRUPTIONS, BUGS, VIRUSES, OR SIMILAR ISSUES;

d) ANY LOSSES RESULTING FROM WEBSITE CONTENT OR USE.

SIA SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES AND LIABILITY RELATED TO THIRD-PARTY TOOLS AND SERVICES LISTED IN BROWSE SOLUTIONS PAGE, INCLUDING THEIR AVAILABILITY, FUNCTIONALITY, ACCURACY OF LISTING INFORMATION, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SIA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW PARTNERS USE FEEDBACK PROVIDED BY USERS OR FOR ANY OUTCOMES RESULTING FROM PARTNER ACCESS TO USER FEEDBACK.

SIA DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR MARKETPLACE SERVICES, ADVERTISER CONTENT, CLAIMS, OR COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS. SIA DOES NOT GUARANTEE MARKETPLACE PROVIDER DISCOUNTS, PRICING, COMMERCIAL SERVICE QUALITY, OR ADVERTISING PERFORMANCE. ADVERTISING PLACEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ADVERTISED PRODUCTS OR SERVICES.

SIA SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR COLLABORATIVE FUND PROJECTS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

a) PROJECT OUTCOMES, COMPLETION, OR SUCCESS;

b) PARTNER PERFORMANCE OR DELIVERABLES;

c) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DISPUTES ARISING FROM FUNDED PROJECTS;

d) DELAYS, CANCELLATIONS, OR MODIFICATIONS TO FUNDED PROJECTS;

e) ALLOCATION DECISIONS OR FUNDING DISTRIBUTION.

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SIA, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES, THIRD-PARTY CONDUCT OR CONTENT, OR UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS.

SIA'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU TO THE ALLIANCE IN THE PRECEDING (12) TWELVE MONTHS.

YOU AGREE TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS SIA, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS FROM ALL CLAIMS, LIABILITIES, DAMAGES, AND COSTS (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES) ARISING FROM YOUR VIOLATION OF THESE TERMS OR USE OF THE WEBSITE.

ANY CAUSE OF ACTION MUST COMMENCE WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER ACCRUAL OR BE PERMANENTLY BARRED.

14. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CHOICE OF LAW OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

YOU EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE FOR ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN YOU AND SIA RESIDE IN THE STATE AND FEDERAL COURTS LOCATED IN MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA.

SIA CONTROLS THE WEBSITE FROM ITS OFFICES WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATION THAT THE CONTENT ON OUR WEBSITE IS APPROPRIATE, LEGAL, OR AVAILABLE FOR USE IN OTHER LOCATIONS. YOU MAY NOT USE OR EXPORT THE CONTENT IN VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES EXPORT LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

15. GENERAL PROVISIONS

15.1. Modifications to Terms: We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes are effective immediately upon posting to the Website. Your continued use of the Website after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.

15.2. Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.

15.3. Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and SIA regarding your use of the Website and supersede all prior agreements and understandings with respect to the same.

15.4. Contact: For general questions about these Terms, please contact us at contactus@sci-integrity.com.

16. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

BY USING THE WEBSITE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF USE AND ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS AND ADDITIONS TO THESE TERMS AS PUBLISHED FROM TIME TO TIME AT THIS WEBSITE.

THESE LIMITATIONS AND LEGAL PROVISIONS ARE FUNDAMENTAL TO THESE TERMS OF USE. WHERE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN LIABILITIES IS PROHIBITED, OUR LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.