Ethics in Conducting and Communicating Research: A Brazilian Perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to discuss some ethical aspects arising in the conducting and communication of medical research in the Brazilian context, and to propose actions that can control or mitigate some reprehensible behaviors. We present some typical cases that have populated the pages of scientific journals and the press, showing academic fraud and setting society in conflict with scientists, who now need to demonstrate their trustworthiness. How can we consider the development of science if what is disclosed on the topic can be manufactured or made up; that is to say, if this content is not reliable? Several responses can be found today. For example, some publishers are imposing new guidelines for research funding agencies or research institutions to engage in mechanisms to prevent fraud and promote good research practices. The goal of these measures is to ensure that research results being funded or produced under their auspices are reliable. In this article, we make an incursion into the process of production of technological knowledge—through the stages of financing, production itself, and dissemination—in an effort to identify the factors that can lead to misconduct. In the investment stage, the socioeconomic and political context is important in evaluating what should be researched, and with what goals. We discuss aspects such as coloniality and investment in ST&I, among others. Our conclusion is that the discussion on research integrity must go beyond aspects related to the researcher’s personal and professional ethics.