Misconduct in scientific research ‘alive and well’

MORE than one in 10 British-based scientists or doctors have witnessed colleagues intentionally altering or fabricating data during their research, according to a survey by the British Medical Journal.

The survey collated more than 2,700 responses and found that 6% of scientists said they were aware of possible research misconduct at their institution that had not been properly investigated.

The results suggest “research misconduct is alive and well in the UK”, the journal said in a statement, and highlights the need for better systems to deter, detect and investigate it.