Research on forced migration provides critical input into the processes that help shape policy on displacement and humanitarian response. On
Abstract Background Adherence to study registration and reporting best practices are vital to foster evidence-based medicine. Poor adherence to these
This unsettling and disturbing research project and the uproar it caused raises questions about human research ethics and research ethics review. It also raises serious questions about the responsibilities of institutions for research conducted under their auspices. Research that does not directly involve people as participants can still do significant harm. Work can have negative consequences without involving what current national frameworks around the world define as human research. This is a good time for an open debate about the need for ethical reflection for all research to reflect upon its impacts and negative consequences.
Abstract The incorporation of publications that have been retracted is a risk in reliable evidence synthesis. Retraction is an important
Few cases of research misconduct in Australia have had such a wide international impact as the alleged plagiarism and fabrication by Paul McCrory. Given the amount of contact sports played by children, in the community and professionally, as well as the previous reputation and influence of his work, the implications that his work and findings may have been fabricated are truly frightening. This piece in The Guardian looks out the debate and concern swirling around his fall from grace.
Sometimes the struggle and effort to recruit star or the best researchers can feel something like the professional sports draft in the USA. But as this humorous Don Mayne cartoon depicts, are those researchers being judged on the most important things. One thing that is often overlooked is the question of how ethical they are. Researchers with the highest reputation, are not necessarily the ones with the most ethical practice. Other factors to consider is the degree to which they nurture the development of more junior researchers in their area and whether they make a positive contribution to the research culture of their host institution.
Clinical trial monitors play an essential role, that requires them to be independent and attentive. They are supposed to keep an eye on the integrity of a trial and upon the degree to which the benefits of the trial justifies the risk. A trial monitor must never have a conflict of interest that might be a potential, perceived or actual conflict of interest. A spouse is NEVER an appropriate trial monitor for their partner’s clinical trial. Reading the newspaper is something that a trial monitor can’t do while they are supposed to be monitoring a trial in progress.
The reproduction of scientific work demonstrates that the theory that underpinned that work is sound and the work was conducted honestly and with integrity. Conversely, work that cannot be repeated raises questions about these matters. It can also undermine public trust in research. This useful Nature piece suggests some straightforward things that researchers can do to improve the chances that their work can be reproduced. We have included links to nine related items.
