Integrity and misconduct in research.

reaction to continuing misconduct in research and retaliation against whistleblowers in spite of federal regulations existing since 1989 and more than a dozen congressional hearings. According to the Commission charter, we were asked to consider: a new definition of research misconduct; an assurance process for institutional compliance with HHS regulation; mechanisms by which to respond to and oversee related administrative functions and investigations; and development of a regulation to protect whistleblowers. In fulfilling its mandate, the Commission held a total of 11 meetings open to the public in the Washington area and 4 regional hearings on university campuses in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Alabama. The Commission proved to be an effective forum for soliciting testimony on research integrity from all affected constituencies, including scientists, whistleblowers, attorneys, institutions, scientific organizations, the press, interested citizens, and federal officials. We have listened and deliberated carefully based on the extraordinary outpouring of commentary on the issues. We believe the recommendations unanimously supported by the Commission are realistic and balance the interests of the Federal Government, research institutions, scientists, and the public. We believe that the individual scientists and their research institutions and societies bear the primary responsibility for preserving integrity and dealing with misconduct when it occurs. We are not recommending a bigger federal role, only a more effective one. The creation and functioning of the Commission gave fresh expression and hope to many disillusioned scientists and whistleblowers that their voices could be heard and might make a difference in advancing the cause of scientific integrity and public trust. It is for this reason that the Commission urges that an independent oversight review body with a membership like the Commission's be created to periodically conduct hearings and review regulations and policies that affect federally funded biomedical and behavioral research. The Commission also hopes that the resources needed for effective oversight and timely disposition of investigations be carefully considered. We appreciate the opportunity to have served on this task, which is so important to the public and the scientific community. iv Acknowledgments The Commission on Research Integrity is indebted to the many individuals and institutions who have helped it fulfill its mission. We are grateful to the following consultants for the knowledge and expertise they shared with the Commission: We give special thanks to Dr. Lyle Bivens, DHHS, and Dr. Donald Buzzelli, NSF, for their dedication and untiring support of the Commission. We are also …