Research fraud: a long-term problem exacerbated by the clamour for research grants

Abstract

This account explores the form and extent of research fraud, the time it takes to investigate these frauds and the inadequacy of university investigations. There also appears to be reluctance to communicate details about fraudulent papers to the scientific community. The sensationalist reporting of fraud is explored. Underlying the analysis is the question as to whether the structure of rewards in higher education encourages research fraud. The analysis addresses the structure of rewards in higher education and the impact that has on researchers, creating the potential for the normalisation of research fraud.