Research Integrity: Current situation and its significance in ELSI/RRI

Abstract

Research integrity is the basis of scientific research practice. These days excessively competitive research environment has generated a negative impact on scientific research including the prevalence of superficial science and research misconduct. Research misconduct does cause serious damage not only to research activity but also to social activity, such as medical care and developing human resources. We could promote research integrity in two integral directions; the researchers' sincere attitude and the system in which reliable science is encouraged. In the former direction, researchers should revisit the significance of the Mertonian norms (CUDOS; Communism, Universalism, Disinterestedness, and Organized Skepticism), which represent how researchers should put the self-correction of science into practice. In the latter direction, the scientific community should consolidate the system, such as education of science history, recognition of the significance of slow science, encouragement of open science, placement of research integrity advisers, and fulfilling institutional supports.