San Diego's Tough Stand on Research Fraud

Abstract

Robert Slutsky, a researcher at the medical school of the University\nof California at San Diego, fabricated cardioradiological research data, and\nwas exposed when a senior researcher compared published papers. Two\nnondepartmental committees determined that 13 papers were fraudulent while 55\nothers were of questionable validity. Coauthors, many of whom had been listed\nas a courtesy or a favor, were asked to defend their work, and the whole issue\nof emphasis on publications was examined. The failure of senior staff to\ncatch the fraud earlier and the failure of fellows and assistants to alert\nhigher-ups were also reported. Recommendations made concerning peer review\nfocused on quality, contribution of coauthors, and development of guidelines\nfor supervision of trainees and standards of production. (KIE abstract)