Scientific misconduct and breach of publication ethics

Year 2008, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 7 - 8, 01.10.2008

Robert B. Daroff

https://doi.org/10.2399/ana.08.007

Abstract

Scientific journals disseminate information that may impact the public’s health. Editing a scientific journal is a high honor, but can be an awesome responsibility, since the editor is responsible for maintaining the scientific integrity of both the journal and the disciplines it covers. Authors, either unknowingly through ignorance or sloppiness, or by sociopathic design, may violate standards of scientific integrity and discredit a journal. Hugh Clegg, former editor of the British Medical Journal (1947-1965), wrote, “A medical editor has to be a keeper of the conscience of a profession, and if he tries to live up to this ideal, he will always be getting into trouble.”1 Editors will often irritate authors, some of whom may be their friends, but such is the fate of anyone with a major decision-making role. Indeed, the American author, Gene Fowler, suggested, “Every editor should have a pimp for a brother, so he can have someone to look up to.”

Keywords

Scientific misconduct, breach, publication ethics