Toward global standardization of conducting fair investigations of allegations of research misconduct
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: In the United States, through nation-wide discussions, the procedures for handling allegations of research misconduct are now well established. Procedures are geared toward carefully treating both complainants and respondents fairly in accordance with the US framework. Other countries, which have their own cultural and legal framework, also need fair and legally compatible procedures for conducting investigations of allegations of research misconduct. Given the rapid growth of international collaboration in research, it is desirable to have a global standard, or common ground, for misconduct investigations. Institutions need clear guidance on important subjects such as what information should be included in the investigation reports, how the investigation committee should be organized once research misconduct allegation has been received, how to conduct the investigation, how the data and information obtained should be taken as evidence for vs. against misconduct, and what policies the investigation committee should follow. We explore these issues from the viewpoint of members of committees investigating accusations of research misconduct (hereafter referred to as "investigation committees") as well as persons overseeing the committees in Japan. We hope to engender productive discussions among experts in misconduct investigations, leading to a formulation of international standards for such investigation.
Source: Accountability in Research
Authors: Rei Nouchi, Hiroaki Aihara, Fumie Arie, Makoto Asashima, Hiroyuki Daida, Jun Fudano, Yasuhiro Fujiwara, Shinji Fushiki, Robert J. Geller, Kazuo Hatano, Toshio Homma, Minoru Kimura, Toshio Kuroki, Koichi Miki, Ikuo Morita, Kosaku Nitta, Akira Shinohara, Mikiko C. Siomi, Masayuki Yoshida, Iekuni Ichikawa
Institutions: Shinshu University, The University of Tokyo, Translational Medical Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Teikyo University, Juntendo University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Astellas Pharma (Japan), Tokai University, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Keio University, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Institute for Protein Research, The University of Osaka, The University of Osaka, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Language: English
Subfield: Safety Research
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
OpenAlex ID: W3013842278