Fraud in surgical research - A framework of action is required

Abstract

Fraud in science has a long history, with some noteworthy and seminal publications lately scrutinized because of discrepancies suspected of being fraudulent in nature. Scientific misconduct can take many forms; however, all imply a violation of the code of ethical scholarly conduct. It incorporates fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, redundant publication, misrepresenting of data, undisclosed conflicts of interest, unethical research, and misappropriation of research funds. Estimates of the prevalence of misconduct are alarming. The emergence of scientific fraud has huge implications for how researchers, clinicians, colleges, and journals conduct business. The system of peer review, employed by all reputable journals, attempts to certify the scientific validity of a submitted manuscript, but, perhaps controversially, may not be ideally placed to determine research fraud. To combat fraud in research effectively, there needs to be a harmonized international strategy that combines and coordinates the resources of journals, funding bodies, and national scientific bodies. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.