Prof VY Ethical Issues in Basic Science & Pre-clinical Research

Question 1

Why scientists cheat?

Answer 1

1. Pressure for publishing & obtaining funds to support research
2. Publish studies in top journal
3. Misconception that cheating is ok as long as conclusion not affected

Question 2

Research misconduct definition (3)

Answer 2

• it is the fabrication, falsification or plagiarism
• in proposing, performing or reviewing research
• or in reporting research results

Question 3

Prevalence of outright cheating

Answer 3

Very few due to the difficulty to assess it accurately

Question 4

Impact of scientific misconduct (3)

Answer 4

1. Erosion of trust
   - funding agencies
   - colleagues
   - readers
2. Hinders the progression of other scientists in the field
   - efforts put in by the honest scientists involved in the study would be wasted
3. Lower productivity of scientific research
   - more funds will be diverted to monitor & enforce research integrity

Question 5

Types of scientific misconduct / against “code of ethics” (2)

Answer 5

1. Fabrication, falsification & plagiarism

2. Lack of humility (does not take into consideration one’s opinion)

Question 6

Research integrity definition (3)

Answer 6

• includes the hallmark of good scholarship (rigor, care & accountability)
• not just the avoidance of wrongdoings
• research misconduct is defined as the falsification, fabrication or plagiarism, or other wrongdoings in proposing, designing, recording supervising or reviewing the research, or reporting of the research results, is unacceptable & is grounds for disciplinary action

Question 7

IRB

Answer 7

Institutional Review Board

Question 8

NUS-IRB main objective (1)

Answer 8

• to protect the rights & welfare of human research subjects in research activities

Question 9

Examples of organisations that protect animal rights

Answer 9

1. Animal Liberation Front (ALF)
2. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
3. Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR)

Question 10

FBR main objective

Answer 10

Foundation for Biomedical Research
- to improve human & veterinary health by promoting public understanding & support for humane & responsible animal research

Question 11

Importance of maintaining ethical animal research (2)

Answer 11

• animal research plays a vital role in major medical advances for both human & animal health
• saving lives

Question 12

IACUC

Answer 12

Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee

Question 13

How does IACUC ensures ethical animal research (4)

Answer 13

1. Monitor & enforce high standards of care for animals in research
2. Evaluate detailed research protocols & approve them appropriately
3. Periodic review of approved protocols
4. Organise specific courses in animal care & ensure research staff undergo & completes them