FAQ´s

Who can submit reports? What should be reported?

Our whistleblower system is open to anyone, not just employees of JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH.

You can report actual or suspected violations of laws and regulations, our Code of Conduct and Action, and any of our policies, as long as you do so in good faith and not maliciously.

Who receives and processes reports? What is the process for investigating reports?

Reports are processed by Saxinger, Chalupsky & Partner Rechtsanwälte GmbH ("SCWP Schindhelm"), which we have engaged, in compliance with all necessary procedural principles (in particular confidentiality, protection of the whistleblower, sensitivity of the processed data and the "need-to-know principle") and processing principles (Art 5 GDPR). SCWP Schindhelm first independently performs a plausibility check of the reported tips (depending on the reported circumstances and provided that the report contains sufficient information). If necessary, SCWP Schindhelm can request the support of company departments, such as the legal/data protection/compliance department or the human resources department, or other external consultants. With regard to the set-up, process and implementation of the notification procedure, the (internal) contact persons of JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH for SCWP Schindhelm are Mag. Katrin Gallé and Mag. Manuela Tschuschnig.

How do I file a report?

1. To submit a report, first click on the "submit new report" button at the top of the introduction page of our online platform.

2. Follow the security advice if you wish to remain anonymous and answer the security question afterwards.

3. Select the focus of your report (e.g. corruption, fraud, anti-competitive practices, etc.) or a "General Notice".

4. Describe the concern of your report and answer some questions to enable SCWP Schindhelm to investigate the case in a targeted manner. You may also upload documents.

5. Then submit the report. You will then receive a confirmation that your report has been submitted.

6. Choose a password to confirm the creation of your protected mailbox. You can use your mailbox to receive information about the progress of the report and to communicate with the person who processed your report. For this purpose, you do not have to reveal your identity unless you wish to do so.

Can I send a report anonymously?


Yes, this is possible. Although we encourage you to provide your name to facilitate case processing, such disclosure is completely voluntary. While communicating through your protected mailbox, you may remain anonymous if you wish. At no time during the entire reporting process will you be asked to provide your name or email address.

 How do I access my mailbox?


After submitting your report, you will receive a link with access to a protected mailbox.

Please choose a password and remember it to access your protected mailbox. Your login details are known only to you. When confirming the setup of your mailbox, you will not be asked to provide your name or e-mail address. Therefore, you cannot reset your password if you lose it! If you lose your login data, please submit a message again to set up a new mailbox. If possible, please include the date of your original message. Since this is a new mailbox, the contents of your original message will not be displayed.

You can view your mailbox at any time by accessing it using a link and password.

How do I receive feedback on my message?

You will receive feedback on your report via your protected mailbox. This mailbox allows you to communicate securely and confidentially with the processor of your report. If appropriate, you will be asked for further information or kept informed of the progress of the investigation. In addition, you will be notified of the final results.

All this is possible without you ever having to reveal your identity. The processor of your report will only receive the information you choose to share.

Depending on the circumstances reported and provided that the report contains sufficient information, SCWP Schindhelm will process the report and contact the relevant persons in the company to assess the validity and urgency of the situation.