Bioethics colloquium explores research misconduct May 16

Center News

The Center presents its eighth annual bioethics colloquium, Wednesday, May 16, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Pelton Auditorium and breakout rooms. This year's colloquium, "Scientists Behaving Badly,"* focuses on causes and preventative measures for research misconduct. The Office of Research Integrity defines research misconduct as "…fabrication, falsification or plagiarism in proposing, performing or reviewing research, or in reporting research results." Colloquium participants will explore such misconduct and other subtler forms of research misbehavior.

The University of Arkansas' Dr. Douglas Adams' keynote lecture, "Research Misconduct: Determinants and Deterrence," will address the prevention of research misconduct from a criminal-science perspective and suggest novel methods for reducing its occurrence.

A panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Robert Hackman, the Center's scientific ombudsperson, will follow the keynote talk. Colloquium attendees and panelists will have an opportunity for an in-depth discussion of research misconduct and research misbehavior. Panelists include:

• Dr. Brian Martinson, author of the Nature article, "Scientists Behaving Badly";

• Dr. Kathy Barker, author, "At the Bench: A Laboratory Navigator" and "At the Helm: A Laboratory Navigator";

• Dr. Kelly Fryer-Edwards of the University of Washington's Department of Medical History and Ethics; and

• Dr. Barbara Trask, director of the Human Biology Division.

Following the panel discussion, attendees registered for the entire event will receive a box lunch and proceed to breakout sessions, which will run from noon-1:30 p.m.

A group of postdoctoral fellows and graduate students created this year's bioethics colloquium, including: Rachel Life and Drs. Dennis Chao, Catherine Blish, Michael Davis and Yu Chen. Dr. Karen Peterson and Lee Strucker serve as advisors to the planning committee.

Registration is open to all Center faculty members, staff and affiliates. Register online at https://catalysttools.washington.edu/survey/rbjmax/34925 or contact Lora Lindsey, llindsey@fhcrc.org. General questions? Contact Dr. Karen Peterson, (206) 667-5319.

*   The title of this year's colloquium, "Scientists Behaving Badly," is plagiarized (with permission) from Martinson, et al. Nature 2005 435:737.

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