CRfocus Joins COPE In Fight Against Publication Misconduct, UK

The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) is celebrating
this month after its in-house magazine, CRfocus, was accepted as a
member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).



Formed in 1997, COPE is a forum for editors of peer-reviewed journals to
discuss issues related to the integrity of the scientific record. It
supports and encourages editors to report, catalogue and instigate
investigations into ethical problems in the publication process and aims
to provide a sounding board for editors in dealing with possible
breaches in research and publication ethics. Other members of COPE
include the British Medical Journal and The Lancet, plus over 400 other
primary journals.



"Data falsification, plagiarism and other forms of fraudulent
publication are relatively uncommon but can damage the scientific record
and can seriously impact on literature surveys," explained CRfocus
editor, Andrew Smith. "This incorrect data is particularly dangerous in
clinical research and medicine, where future prescribing decisions based
in part on falsified information can increase risk to patients and study
participants.



"It is vital that professionals in all aspects of medicine, including
readers of CRfocus, demonstrate their commitment to the highest
standards of research and publication. This is why we are proud to be
affiliated with COPE and its valuable work."



CRfocus has been published for 19 years and is ICR's peer-reviewed
members' journal which features authoritative articles to keep readers
up to date with best practice and help them develop their careers.


icr-global/crfocus

Institute of Clinical Research