Scientific integrity: Perceptions and recommendations from a qualitative study with actors of the science, technology, and innovation system in Colombia

Abstract

The review of the scientific literature has provided evidence of the presence of scientific misconduct and questionable conduct in research (QCR), without further studies in different countries, including Colombia. This study aims to provide results of qualitative research on the perceptions and recommendations associated with scientific integrity in the country. Interviews were conducted with researchers, peer reviewers, editors and research directors or managers of universities and research centers in the country. The results reveal the need to promote institutional policies and improve practices that help strengthen the national policy on scientific integrity. A strong correlation was also found between misconduct, lack of knowledge of authorship criteria, difficulties in peer review, research data management and the processes of research memory due to the pressure of the national research system and the institutions to meet goals within it.