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26 Med. & L. 545 (2007)
Role of Editors and Journals in Detecting and Preventing Scientific Misconduct: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

handle is hein.journals/mlv26 and id is 569 raw text is: Med Law (2007) 26:545-566 Medicine and Law CYOZMOT 2007 Dealing with Scientific Misconduct in the Future ROLE OF EDITORS AND JOURNALS IN DETECTING AND PREVENTING SCIENTIFIC MISCONDUCT: STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND THREATS Ana Marusic,* Vedran Katavic,* Matko Marusic* Abstract: Scientific journals have a central place in protecting research integrity because published articles are the most visible documentation of research. We used SWOT analysis to audit (S)trengths and (W)eaknesses as internal and (O)pportunities and (T)hreats as external factors affecting journals' responsibility in addressing research integrity issues. Strengths include editorial independence, authority and expertise, power to formulate editorial policies, and responsibility for the integrity of published records. Weaknesses stem from having no mandate for legal action, reluctance to get involved, and lack of training. Opportunities for editors are new technologies for detecting misconduct, policies by editorial organization or national institutions, and greater transparency of published research. Editors face threats from the lack of legal regulation and culture of research integrity in academic communities, lack of support from stakeholders in scientific publishing, and different pressures. Journal editors cannot be the policing force of the scientific community but they should actively ensure the integrity of the scientific record. Keywords: Editors; journals; research integrity; scientific misconduct; SWOT analysis Trust but verify. Damon Runyon, American journalist (1884-1946) Ideally, the whole enterprise of scientific research is based on trust: the public trusts science and scientists because of their contribution to humanity, scientists * Croatian Medical Journal, Zagreb University School of Medicine, Croatia 545