The ego has landed! What can be done about research misconduct, scandals and spins?

Science appears healthy on paper, but at what cost? Although the volume of published research doubles every 9 years1 retraction rates are increasing faster2. Recent studies find that up to 40% of researchers admit engaging in questionable research practices –involving shortening studies to give more favorable results, and ‘spinning’ negative results into positive findings3. Pressures are partly to blame: almost 60% of respondents to a national survey of scientific researchers in the United Kingdom reported being tempted or pressured to compromise their integrity and standards around scientific practices and reporting4.