Criminalising research fraud

The incidence of research fraud has reached troubling levels. Too often peer review has failed to prevent it. The harm caused by such conduct extends to patients, co-authors, supervisors, employing institutions, funders, journals, publishers, and importantly the area and direction of the research itself and its potential influence are tarnished. A number of commentators have raised the option of criminal charges being preferred against those responsible for such fraud. This has occurred in the United States, in particular, but also in the United Kingdom, Korea and Australia in high-profile cases. There is much to be said for this form of prosecutorial response to the phenomenon of research fraud given its multi-level ramifications, the considered nature of the conduct, and the fact that it is engaged in by persons well positioned to appreciate the harm that their deceit may cause. The involvement of the criminal law enhances the potential for deterrence from yielding to the temptation and opportunity to engage in research fraud.