Cases of plagiarism and other scientific misconduct is thought to be increasing in India. The rapid growth in the country in recent years has been mirrored by a growth in the number of research institutions, science publications and number of published papers. The pursuit of advancement of institutional reputations in newly established Universities and the development of personal careers has led to an increased pressure to publish. Scientific funding has not kept pace with the growth of institutions and numbers of people involved in research and this has led to increased competition in the seeking of limited funds. Quality assurance and oversight processes have not kept pace and in many young institutions may even be totally absent. There is little emphasis given to training for scientists or administrators regarding scientific rigour or ethics or integrity.
Indian graduates and scientists are generally highly regarded. There is an increasing focus from outside the country for establishing research and engineering centres in India and for commissioning research at Indian Research Institutions. But there is growing concern about standards and the proper selection and use of Indian scientists and Indian Research Institutions. A need has been expressed for an independent review of the level of integrity at various Institutions.
This need has only been emphasised by the recent high profile cases of plagiarism regarding GM crops where the Minister rejected a report by the 6 top Indian science academies including the Indian National Science Academy and the apparent, wide-spread plagiarism which has, for example, led to the retraction of 3 papers in the Journal Biotechnology Advances.
A survey and review to assess and rank Integrity at Indian Research Institutions has therefore been privately commissioned. The study is to be completed by 1st May 2011 and the first phase of information gathering is expected to continue through February 2011.
Institutions to be included in the survey will be requested individually to make a formal submission.
Institutions or individuals wishing to participate by making unsolicited submissions are invited to do so as detailed in the separate page established here.
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