U of M to host national conference on challenges and solutions for research integrity

Trustworthy science is crucial to progress—for patients, consumers, our country, the world—but threats to science and public confidence loom large. Researcher misconduct, inadequate education of new researchers, predatory journals that fail to perform thorough peer review and oversight lapses all constitute major threats to research integrity across the globe. Carefully analyzing these problems and finding effective solutions are essential steps in protecting the integrity of science and preserving public trust.

These critical issues will be the focus of a national conference on “Research Integrity and Trustworthy Science,” to be held at the University of Minnesota on Thursday, March 8, 2018. Leading speakers will address threats to the credibility of research and propose solutions in three key areas:

• Promoting sound research methods, with results that can be replicated by others. John P.A. Ioannidis, MD, DSc (Stanford University) will discuss approaches to data and clinical studies that ensure the validity and replicability of research. Ioannidis is author of “Why most published research findings are false,” the most highly accessed article in the history of Public Library of Science.
• Advancing rigor and transparency in academic publishing, to encourage trustworthy science. Barbara A. Spellman, JD, PhD (University of Virginia)will diagnose problems in academic publishing and offer solutions. Spellman is former editor-in-chief of Perspectives in Psychological Science and chair of the TOP (Transparency and Openness Promotion) Coordinating Committee.
• Ensuring institutional oversight and partnership with the public to support research integrity. C.K. Gunsalus, JD, was a member of the National Academies Committee that issued the 2017 report on “Fostering Integrity in Research.” She is an expert on how universities and other institutions can prevent research misconduct and should respond to failures in research integrity.

The event will bring together leading thinkers from multiple disciplines – biomedicine, the social sciences, law, ethics and others – to analyze the challenges for researchers, universities, journals and the community.

“Trustworthy research is fundamental to social progress, patient care and new technologies. This conference is an opportunity for us to collaborate on the best way to achieve high-quality, world-changing research,” said Allen Levine, vice president for research at the University of Minnesota.

This conference is part of the University of Minnesota’s Research Ethics Week (March 5–9, 2018), during which University colleges and departments will focus on professional development and best practices to ensure research safety and integrity.

“Research Integrity and Trustworthy Science” is presented by the Office for the Vice President for Research; Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences; and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota.

To register or find out more, visit: z.umn.edu/ResearchIntegrity2018.