Ethics can be understood as a branch of philosophy that deals with the systematization, definition and recommendation of concepts of wrong and right that guide the human behavior to a better life in society. In general terms, if a person believes that a specific behavior is morally wrong, then it would be irrational for that person to do it. Ethic principles dictates our perception of moral that dictates how we act and live in society.
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| Jon Sudbo Source: https://alchetron.com/Jon-Sudb%C3%B8 |
This week we have been reflecting upon ethics in research and therefore, I reviewed the Office of Research Integrity (“ORI”) of the US Department of Health and Human Services case against Jon Sudbo, D.D.S., Norwegian Radium Hospital. Jon Sudbo was a Norwegian dentist, physician and former medical researcher that was involved in a scientific fraud in 2006.
In summary, Sudbo was found guilty of falsifying and fabricating research data in the field of oncology that allowed him to publish in several well known medical journals at the time. Sudbo plead guilty of fabricating and/or falsifying data for only three publications. However, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) and its Investigation Commission, concluded at least twelve other publications could not be considered valid by the same reasons.
As this scandal came to light, in 2006 Sudbo was forced to resign his positions as associate professor at University of Oslo and Consultant oncologist at the Radium Hospital in Oslo. Additionally, his licenses to practice dentistry and medicine were revoked in the same year. Lastly, an investigation conducted by the University of Oslo found that Sudbo's doctoral dissertation was also based on fraudulent data and therefore, his doctorate in medicine was revoked by the institution in 2006. According to Wikipedia, Jon Sudbo is currently working as an assistant dentist in Seljord, Telemark.
Jon Sudbo's actions changed his career path forever. He went from a brilliant scientist to a well-known fraud with no credibility in the research world. Google can prove this to you! Just google his name.
Even though Sudbo had several punishments he was not given any jail time. His research was in the oncology field and I feel that fake outcomes in this field can dangerously harm people's lives and even cause death. Therefore , why was he not considered a criminal? Do you believe he should be treated as a criminal? Even though he does not conduct any type of research nowadays, he still allowed to work as an assistant in the field. Do you believe he should be allowed to practice within the field? Do you feel his punishments were adequate to his actions? Let me know in the comments!
If you are interested in reading Jon Sudbo's case or other cases of research misconduct, access the Office of Research Integrity website.
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