Research Integrity Archives

A funny cartoon of a researcher refusing to believe a bio-hazard fridge over heated, even though he's standing in a puddle of water.

Friday afternoon’s funny – Don’t passively rely on technology

The march of technology has transformed the practicalities of research. Data storage, archiving, analysis and (as pictured in this humorous Don Mayne cartoon) safe storage of bio hazards. They can be a great help, fantastic savers of time and resources, they can also literally be a life saver. But our enthusiastic adoption of such technologies does not mean that we should blithely accept what they tell us when it is at odds with what our senses and commonsense are telling us.

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Unprecedented! Incredible! Scientific grant applications are getting heavier on hype – STAT News (Theresa Gaffney | August 2022)

One symptom of the forces that are distorting science and compelling researchers to churn out high impact publications is the use of overinflated adjectives and adverbs. Part of informing and guiding good practice in research and the writing of excellent in research outputs is highlighting that the use of such language is neither desirable nor is it a hallmark of quality work. Mentors and leaders have a key role to play here. This should be stressed in professional development and guidance material.

Scientists Allege Researcher Faked Reproductive Health Data Across Dozens of Papers – Jezebel (Caitlin Cruz | August 2022)

When fabrication and falsification of data leaks into professional practice impacts on humans (such as clinical care) it is a big deal that we all should be concerned about. Institutions should respond especially harshly if I researches misconduct could result in harm to patients or others users of professional services. This is likely to include all clinical trials and all clinical research. Distortion of professional practice should be a factor that is considered when evaluating the severity of the misconduct.

A woman blocking our view of her face wit an palm thrust towards us.

The Dark Side of Research: Scientific Fraud – Davidson Institute (Jonathan Berkheim | September 2022)

We are massive fans of the work Elisabeth Bik does to detect and call out fraud in research and scientific writing. In this piece, Jonathan Berkheim discusses with her the mechanics of such fraudulent activity. Why do some researchers falsify, fabricate and plagiarise? How do they go about it and how do they get caught? This interesting piece dives into the issues. It is a useful read for anyone involved in an institution’s research misconduct processes.

Graphic image and photo depicting staying silent about misconduct.

Deceiving scientific research, misconduct events are possibly a more common practice than foreseen (Papers: Alonzo Alfaro-Núñez | August 2022)

Abstract Background Today, scientists and academic researchers experience an enormous pressure to publish innovative and ground-breaking results in prestigious journals.

Teamwork concept.Young creative coworkers working with new startup project in modern office.Group of three people analyze data on desktop computer.Horizontal,blurred background

Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent developments on the communication of clinical trials, publishing practices, and research integrity: in conversation with Dr. David Moher (Papers: Daeria O. Lawson, et al | August 2022)

Abstract Background The torrent of research during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed the persistent challenges with reporting trials, open

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The Alarming Rise of Predatory Conferences – Eos (Matthieu Chartier | September 2022)

A predator phenomena that continues to pray upon unwary researchers is the predatory conference. This Eos piece reflects on their rising menace and the damage they cause. Increasingly these days, academics must research new conferences to confirm their bona fides and ensure that they are not merely a money making front for shady operators with no interest in the integrity of the scientific record or enterprise.

A zombie hand thrusting up out of the ground in a graveyard.

The Science and Politics of Journal Retractions: A conversation with Ivan Oransky (Retraction Watch) – YouTube (Ivan Oransky & Siddhartha Roy | June 2022)

Why can’t scientific journals be honest about how much gets through peer-review that shouldn’t? Why are some papers retracted following

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