In the United States, legislation exists to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, and universities do their best to maintain confidentiality throughout an investigation. “Protections are in place to keep complainants anonymous, but confidentiality can’t be absolutely guaranteed — for example, if university policy is being violated, we have to report it,” says Allen. In some cases, the university can move complainants to a different lab. “But it is hard to deal with lesser acts of retaliation, such as the refusal to write a letter of recommendation,” admits David Wright, a former research integrity officer (RIO) at Michigan State University in East Lansing and the director of the ORI. Those contemplating blowing the whistle should consider the university’s policies on misconduct.