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Handbook for Research
Section I: Introduction
This handbook is intended to remind veteran investigators
and guide new investigators through the complex issues associated
with contemporary research activities. When we ponder whether
and why such reminders or guides should be needed, it might
be fruitful to appreciate that today's scientists are blessed
with
Tools and experimental approaches that have completely
changed the pace of science;
The capacity to ask questions which can be answered only
through collaboration among investigators with very different
expertise;
The likelihood of interacting, at some point, with private
enterprise;
The opportunity to train individuals with very different
prior experience in research;
Greater opportunity to travel which provides valuable exposure
but periodically deprives the research group of direct supervision
by the principal investigator.
The large amount of public funding and the very visible
nature of research endeavors today make it all the more necessary
to avoid even the appearance of any wrongdoing. It is critical
to be attentive to any problem that can compromise the integrity
of the research environment. In view of the high ethical standards
of the vast majority of investigators, it is especially important
to be aware of the consequences of all our activities. Problems
can arise when principal investigators
Are unaware of a trainee's lack of the necessary skills
to carry out a task, and accept flawed data;
Neglect to institute the appropriate safeguards (e.g.,
blinded samples, second opinion) to monitor a collaborator's
work;
Pay insufficient attention to the required procedures for
monitoring the use of hazardous materials;
Fail to adopt an appropriate self-critical attitude in
testing their hypotheses and to accept a trainee's evidence
against a hypothesis;
Fail to respect and follow the rules governing projects
that involve human subjects and/or animals;
Do not set a proper example with respect to confidentiality
and conflict of interest issues in reviewing manuscripts and
grant applications.
At a time when the potential of biomedical research as a whole
and the research capacity of this institution are greater
than ever before, we encourage all investigators to consider
the issues concerning the proper conduct of science. We hope
that this handbook will be helpful.
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