Research Fraud: A Sui Generis Problem Demands a Sui Generis Solution (Plus a Little Due Process)

Abstract

This article examines the highly-publicized case of research fraud perpretrated by Dr. Werner Bezwoda as a case study for analyzing research fraud, and the various mechanisms available to remedy the problem. I argue that these mechanisms were never designed to combat research fraud, because research fraud, unlike many other kinds of health care fraud, is often undermotivated, if motivated at all, by the specter of pecuniary gain. However, the mechanism that was designed to counter research fraud, embodied in the Office of Research Integrity, is deeply flawed in terms of both process and result. Finally, I suggest some ways of improving the available mechanisms, and sketch some possible directions for future action.