“Researchers must comply with the rules of good research practice”

“This is a very regrettable case. One has to be able to trust published research results. They have to be quality assured, not ‘made up’. Researchers at Uppsala University must comply with the rules of good research practice and there must be no research misconduct at Uppsala University,” says Mats Larhed, Vice-Rector of the Disciplinary Domain of Medicine and Pharmacy.

The case that the decision of the National Board for Assessment of Research Misconduct (Npof) refers to concerns medical research. The research has focused on various substances, particularly cerebrolysin, and their protective effect on the central nervous system. For the most part, Npof’s criticisms are directed at images, figures and tables that, according to the decision, do not show what is claimed. The studies concern basic research in laboratories and did not involve any patients or other people.

Appealed against the decision

The researchers themselves deny that they have committed research misconduct and Npof has stated that two of the researchers have appealed to the Administrative Court against the decision, and there may be further appeals. Before the decision has become final and non-appealable, the University does not want to go into what may have happened in this case in any detail.

“As far as I am aware, there are no researchers at the University at present who are engaged in this research area, nor is there anyone here who is connected with these studies. None of the five researchers are employed at Uppsala University any more. The person who is author of all the articles left in 2014.

“This is such a waste of research resources. The purpose of research is to produce knowledge that contributes to the development and improvement of society. But if researchers commit research misconduct, this reduces confidence in research. If decision-makers feel doubtful about facts and data for decisions, it becomes more difficult to make good decisions and then of course that slows down positive developments.”

What responsibility do researchers have?

“As co-author of a scholarly article, a researcher is expected to have read and reviewed the whole article, and to have contributed to the research. The current system of qualifications and recognition encourages researchers to publish many articles and it can be flattering to be asked if you would like to be credited as a co-author. But it’s not just a matter of putting your name on it, you are supposed to have contributed yourself and to have personally read and reviewed it.”

What sort of preventive action does the University take on research ethics?

“We offer continuous training in research ethics and good research practice. In addition to this, there are written guidelines and support is available from departments and from the confidential advisers on good research practice appointed in all disciplinary domains. Of course we will have to look at how we can further improve our efforts in this area. We could possibly provide more practical information, with seminars, lectures and workshops to ensure that researchers are aware of the legislation and current practice.”

The Vice-Chancello will decide

The case has already been appealed to the Administrative Court. If the decision is upheld, the matter will be referred to Uppsala University and the Board for Investigation of Deviations from Good Research Practice (NUAF), which is a supporting body under the Vice-Chancellor. It is the Vice-Chancellor who will decide on any measures that may be taken. The University is also obliged to contact funding bodies that have supported the research and the publishers that have published the research results.

Elin Bäckström