Cambridge researchers fight back against ‘bad science’ | Varsity

"A group of junior researchers at the University of Cambridge have established a campaign to reduce the pressure faced by scientists to produce 'sexier' results, which they say can lead to inaccurate research work.

The campaign, called ‘Bullied into Bad Science’, aims to push back against a research environment where scientists are continually being asked to produce results which are eye-catching and exciting, and worthy of publication in prestigious journals. More dramatic results can also lead to better success in securing grant funding. The pressure to get published and win funding, campaigners say, lures some scientists to cut corners in their work, and in some cases even falsify their results. Last month, it was announced that US biochemist Frank Sauer had been banned from receiving federal funds for five years, after images published by him in grant applications and journal articles - including the influential Natureand Science - were found to have been doctored. Several other high-profile cases have also emerged of US scientists using doctored results to secure millions of dollars of funding."