A plea for academic decency

Abstract

In an internet age when a viral sensationalist story gains far more traction than a nuanced and balanced discussion, we have become used to some politicians, media and web-based influencers bending the truth to create a misguided or distorted narrative that many people unquestioningly believe. This should never happen in science, but even here standards are sadly deteriorating. In my editorial I wish to expose this situation by highlighting the recent disturbing public attack on the scientific integrity of Australian neuroethologist Mandyam Srinivasan, an attack made by scientists outside Srinivasan’s field. Srinivasan’s integrity was first questioned in a preprint detailing serious allegations of scientific misconduct (that were subsequently shown to be unfounded). This was immediately followed by a concerted press and social media campaign that severely damaged his reputation. The goal of my Editorial is to use these events to encourage our readers to always be cautious in their judgements and to maintain standards of dignity, decency and respect in their treatment of their peers, even if they disagree with them, since this is the way science has always advanced.