Premium
Research misconduct: time for a re‐think?
Author(s) -
Breen K. J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1111/imj.13075
Subject(s) - misconduct , scientific misconduct , sanctions , adjudication , medicine , criminology , research integrity , public relations , law , political science , psychology , alternative medicine , pathology
The incidence of research misconduct appears to be increasing, drawing attention in the general media and academic literature. Concerns have been expressed about probable under‐reporting, harms arising, lack of an agreed international definition, welfare of whistleblowers and the adequacy of the investigation processes and any subsequent sanctions. A fully satisfactory approach to prevention, detection, investigation and adjudication has yet to emerge. While the definition of research misconduct contained in the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research is comprehensive, universities and other research institutions at times struggle in their task of investigating and adjudicating allegations of research misconduct. A more centralised, independent process of oversight and monitoring of this role played by the universities and institutions would help support those institutions and help maintain community confidence in the research endeavour.