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

Forensic Sci Res. 2020 Jun 10;5(2):174-187. doi: 10.1080/20961790.2020.1767754. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; pandemic; paperdemic; peer review; research and academic integrity.

Grants and funding

This work was supported by grants from CESPU [grant numbers TramTap-CESPU-2016, Chronic-TramTap_CESPU_2017 and TraTapMDMA-CESPU-2018]. The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. The potential conflicts include employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, and royalties.