BACKGROUND: Public trust in research depends in part on the capacity of the system to detect and correct errors in the research record. In Australia, this task is largely entrusted to research institutions through a self-regulatory framework. The present article seeks to contribute to ongoing conversations about whether the Australian framework is fit for purpose. METHODS: Here, we assemble and analyze two sources of information that have been previously analyzed: research misconduct investigation policies at Australian Group of Eight universities (a group of Australian universities that purport to be its leading research-intensive universities) and published decisions and appeals arising from workplace disputes involving allegations of research misconduct. RESULTS: Together, these materials support existing concerns that universities are not adopting robust policies regarding reporting findings of misconduct and correcting the record, and that they sometimes fail to follow their own policies. CONCLUSION: Claims that the current self-regulatory approach is sufficient are not supported by our evidence. These findings provide a foundation for reform, including revisions to the existing guidelines and the creation of an independent oversight body with adequate enforcement powers.
Chin et al. (Mon,) studied this question.