Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

1. The essence of scientific endeavor is the pursuit of truth. Consequently allegations that scientific results have been fraudulently presented, such that the procedures of science may have been used other than for the pursuit of truth, are of serious concern to the Academy, and the scientific community, as well as to the individuals or institutions directly concerned.
2. In the long term, the processes of science generally protect the truth. Investigations are repeated and extended by scientists having no particular commitment to any initial controversy. Such self-correction requires only an open society in which scientists can work and publish, a situation to which the Academy has always been committed. (Furthermore there are established conventions related to the keeping of scientific records, to the communication between collaborators and to the presentation and publication of data which will limit the occurrence of fraud.)
3. In the short term, however, there may be a need to assess the validity of a charge of scientific fraud, but procedures for dealing with such grave charges are not well developed.
4. Courts and Royal Commissions are available to investigate comparable charges in other aspects of society. Through legislation or common law these bodies have power to gather evidence as well as protection against claims of defamation. Charges of scientific fraud are rarely, if ever, brought in terms to which such established investigative bodies are relevant. They most commonly arise about research carried out within Universities or research institutes, whose usual response has been to establish a committee to undertake an internal inquiry. The terms of reference and mode of operation of such committees, which frequently include external experts, vary from occasion to occasion.
5. Procedures have yet to be established for the investigation of claims of scientific fraud within the public domain, Any body external to a University or research institute would presumably require the power, protection and traditions of function enjoyed by the courts and Royal Commissions.
6. The Academy considers that scientists against whom charges of fraud may be laid should be extended the protection normally afforded to those facing charges of similar gravity under law, in particular the presumption of innocence.
7. In the Academy's view, the investigation of scientific fraud should give consideration to the damage caused to innocent parties, and to measures to redress that damage.

David Curtis
President
September 1989 (revised)

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