Ethics in Science

In a Scientist's Fall, China Feels Robbed of Glory - New York Times

In recent weeks, the scientific community has had to deal with ugly episodes of unethical conduct. There was the case of the South Korean doctor whose claims of breakthrough in cloning was found to be nothing more than a fabrication. Today, the NYT reports that a Chinese computer scientist stole chip designs from a foreign company, and passed them off as products of his own research.

These are examples of irrecoverable falls from grace magnified by the greatness that could-have-been. Sad and tragic episodes, but not surprising given the way the research community functions and interacts with the rest of the society.

For a long time, the phrase 'publish or perish' captured the pressure under which every scientist functions. There is another dimension that may not be immediately obvious. In addition to continually publishing as a testament his scientific credentials, a scientist is expected to bring in the moolah. Writing proposals, presenting results -- I italicize intentionally -- has become as important as doing quality work.

Any person under the appropriate stimuli can be made to do tasks that are otherwise unthinkable. Scientists are not immune to this sociological phenomenon either. I am not trying to condone or justify such actions; but merely explaining them.

It is almost ironic to read this op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal (requires subscription). I'll summarize a couple of points.

India is rapidly evolving into Asia's innovation center, leaving China in the dust. Its secret weapon? Intellectual property-rights protection. In recent years, New Delhi has taken big steps to protect these rights, and the results have been dramatic.

It goes on to claim that India's continued adherence to and strengthening of the IPR regime will translate into rich dividends -- as an example, it says, annual revenues from Indian software exports are expected to reach $50billion in the not-too distant future.

Here we are, on the one hand, trying to sanctify intellectual property. On the other, some are abusing the scientific process and manufacturing results!