Scientific Misconduct in Academia: A Survey and Analysis of Applicable Law

During the 1980s, public trust in science as a discipline and the integrity of scientists has been challenged by multiple reports of data falsification, plagiarism, and misrepresentation of research results. This Comment defines scientific misconduct, analyzes its origins, and surveys applicable federal agency regulations and federal laws that structure the response of the academic community to this complex problem. The author argues that misconduct in science has its origins in the culture of medical education, academic promotion policies, editorial peer review deficiencies, and lack of institutional action. The Article concludes that additional institutional self-regulation and a more vigorous application of existing laws may be required to prevent and detect scientific misconduct.