COVID-19 research: pandemic versus "paperdemic", integrity, values and risks of the "speed science"

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: Forensic Sciences Research

Vol. 5

Pages: 174-187

ISSN: 2471-1411

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 45 Citations

Scopus - 45 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-CB3

DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2020.1767754

Abstract (EN): Scientific integrity is a learned skill. When researchers and students learn integrity in laboratories or in the classroom, they are empowered to use similar principles in other aspects of their lives. This commentary reviews the concepts related to scientific integrity at a time when science faces important challenges related to the increase number of articles produced regarding research on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has ignited another parallel viral pandemic, with science ranging from robust studies to dishonest studies being conducted, posted, and shared at an unprecedented rate. A balance is needed between the benefits of the rapid access to new scientific data and the threat of causing panic or erroneous clinical decisions based on mistakes or misconduct. The truth is that the "scientific research has changed the world" but now, and more than ever, "it needs to change itself". A pandemic with a "paperdemic" will be even more complicated to manage if it progresses in an uncontrolled manner and is not properly scrutinized.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14