How I Was Nearly Duped into 'Authoring' a Fake Paper
From The Embassy of Good Science
ResourcesCases
How I Was Nearly Duped into 'Authoring' a Fake Paper
What is this about?
This a real case about an orthopaedic expert (Prof. Aspenberg) who was invited to join a workgroup in a luxury hotel in Switzerland, so that he would advocate for a new commercial method of bone enhancement called prophylactic surgery. He was also asked to become a co-author of a paper that promotes this method and an associated product. He realises that this is set up by a commercial company and that both the working group and the follow-up paper are aimed at promoting the company's product, and he declines the request to advocate for the method, or become a co-author.
Why is this important?
This case clearly demonstrates how researchers could be drawn into questionable practices involving commercial parties, and provides best practices for dealing with these situations. Professor Aspenberg is not embarrased to admit that he was nearly commiting a questionable practice and speaks out so that others would not repeat his mistake.
For whom is this important?
What are the best practices?
Based on the provided information in the case, this can be seen as examplary conduct that shows how a virtuous researcher deals with problematic situations.
