Fewer research misconduct cases but recurrent patterns remain

The aim of the report is to spread information, enhance general awareness and promote consistency in the treatment of issues related to good research practice and research misconduct.

In 2024, 32 cases of suspected research misconduct were reported to the National Board for Assessment of Research Misconduct, a decrease compared with previous years. Of these, 13 came from research organisations and 19 from individuals, with suspicions directed at research conducted at 15 higher education institutions and 5 public authorities. The most common suspicions concerned fabrication (15 cases), plagiarism (14) and falsification (12).

Decisions were taken in 42 cases. Misconduct was found in 11 cases, primarily falsification and plagiarism. In 16 cases, the researchers were cleared, while 5 cases were deemed to contain serious unintentional deviations. Fifteen cases were dismissed. Eight decisions were appealed during the year, but appeals from complainants have been consistently dismissed by the Administrative Court on the grounds that complainants are not deemed eligible to appeal against the Board’s decisions.

The higher education institutions handled 65 internally reported cases of deviations from good research practice and in 10 cases found deviations, such as self-plagiarism and shortcomings in data management. Common measures in response include training, review of procedures and improvements in the working environment.

According to the report, some recurrent causes of misconduct are pressure to publish, uncertainty about co-authorship and poor data management. In conclusion, the Board emphasises the crucial role of good research practice for the quality and credibility of research.

Johan Ahlenius