Rise of Responsible Conduct of Research Education: If it is Difficult to Teach Old Dogs New Tricks, Should We Teach the Young?

Is science becoming less ethical? This question is now being asked frequently in wide-ranging communities. The problem is not new, but cases of scientific misconduct are growing worldwide, and concerns have been raised about wasteful spending on research. Many reasons have been suggested, and legal approaches are not enough to combat the problem. International discussions have examined what can be done to tackle the problem and how good science can be encouraged and promoted. Some believe the answer lies in education: additional education on the responsible conduct of research (RCR) is crucially needed, especially for students and young researchers. International recommendations have stressed mandatory RCR teaching for undergraduates and young researchers. This book discusses the current debates about the integrity of science and explores the problem from different perspectives. It examines the magnitude of the problem and its probable causes, explores solutions to counteract it, and reviews codes of conduct from around the world. The book stresses the importance of education, and elucidates, with evidence, the possible roles and challenges of teaching RCR to undergraduates and early-career researchers. It highlights various experiences in higher education and research institutions worldwide. It is hoped that this book will alert scientists to the significance of the problem and encourage an international community discussion on opportunities and challenges to show how the scientific community can better collaborate to promote research integrity. The book could serve as a helpful guide for decision makers at higher education institutions who wish to introduce RCR into their undergraduate curricula. This book also aims to support future generations of researchers who value and practice ethical research, and ultimately to stimulate changes in the scientific system that can allow scientists to develop their careers in research with integrity for the benefit of science and society.