How Chinese scientific societies should promote the construction of research integrity

Account Res. 2020 Jul;27(5):271-283. doi: 10.1080/08989621.2020.1756265. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Abstract

Scientific societies play an important role in promoting and fostering research integrity. Through a comparative study between China and the United States based on information published over the internet, this article lays out some problems existing in Chinese scientific societies concerning the promotion of research integrity. Research integrity assumes only a minor presence in societies' policy texts, terms that are incorporated tend to be too general, and concrete action often remains superficial. To remedy these problems, this article makes five recommendations for scientific societies to put more emphasis on research integrity: (1) formulating more professional and specific norms; (2) launching dedicated columns or adding related articles in journals; (3) holding seminars and briefings; (4) setting up specialized committees; and (5) strengthening research integrity education. To supplement the realization of these goals, the article also suggests possible incentive measures.

Keywords: Research integrity; research misconduct; scientific societies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Advisory Committees / organization & administration
  • China
  • Ethics, Research*
  • Guidelines as Topic / standards
  • Humans
  • Periodicals as Topic / standards
  • Scientific Misconduct*
  • Societies, Scientific / organization & administration*
  • Societies, Scientific / standards
  • United States