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Publication pressure and scientific misconduct in medical scientists

Joeri K Tijdink1, Reinout Verbeke2, Yvo M Smulders3

  • 1VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tergooi Hospitals, Hilversum, The Netherlands j.tijdink@vumc.nl.

Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics : JERHRE
|March 10, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Scientific misconduct, including data fabrication and falsification, is prevalent among biomedical scientists due to high publication pressure. Younger scientists in university hospitals reported higher rates of fraud.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Science
  • Research Ethics
  • Scientific Integrity

Background:

  • Scientific misconduct is a growing concern in research.
  • Emphasis on scientific productivity may heighten publication pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of scientific misconduct.
  • To assess the impact of publication pressure on misconduct.
  • To examine demographic factors associated with misconduct.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide survey administered to Flemish biomedical scientists.
  • Assessed engagement in scientific misconduct (fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, data manipulation).
  • Measured perceived publication pressure and its association with misconduct.

Main Results:

  • 15% of surveyed scientists admitted to misconduct in the past 3 years.
  • Higher rates of fraud were observed in younger scientists at university hospitals.
  • 72% reported excessive publication pressure.
  • Publication pressure significantly correlated with scientific misconduct severity.

Conclusions:

  • Scientific misconduct is a significant issue in biomedical research.
  • High publication pressure is strongly linked to increased misconduct.
  • Targeted interventions may be needed for early-career researchers and those in clinical settings.
Keywords:
ethics in publishingfraudpublication pressurequestionable research practicescientific misconduct

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