The Darsee Affair

Author(s): J. Debliev

This article gives a complete description of the scientific misconduct of John Darsee, MD at both Emory and Harvard. Darsee fabricated data in many studies and listed faculty members as co-authors on articles and abstracts without their knowledge or consent. In addition to the description of the misconduct of Dr. Darsee, Debliev offers a thorough discussion of the ethical questions as well as a review of more systematic guidelines to strengthen the system of peer review that were being considered for adoption by the medical school. Issues of pressure in the research community to publish, implicit trust and lack of communication among research team members, as well as the reluctance or lack of time to verify data are discussed as possible explanations for both the behavior of Dr. Darsee and the fact that his fabrication went undetected for so long. Other questions raised are who owns original data-the researcher or the Institution that funds the research-and who should be listed as co-authors on studies? The article includes discussion of the proposed regulations or guidelines to reduce research miscondct. Such guidelines must be both strong enough to deter misconduct but not so restrictive as to stifle researchers' initiative and creativity.

Abstract by Elysa R. Koppelman, Ph.D.

National Academy of Engineering