One of the most important instrumental values of maintaining research integrity is to produce excellent research. Giving proper credit encourages capable researchers to make the best of their potential. Following strict data handling procedures enhances the credibility of the research process. Record keeping enables fellow researchers to reflect on the research work conveniently.

Adding these factors together, one could see why a research community underpinned by integrity outperforms others. Mr. David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science of the United Kingdom recognized that, “Excellence and integrity are inextricably linked.” And excellent research boosts innovation and improves public life. It is key to the future prosperity of the whole community.

On the other side, absence of research integrity leads to a waste of public resources. For example, in the case of Haruko Obokata, the young Japanese scientist found to have fabricated data in a biological experiment, not only did her misconduct waste the resources of the Japanese laboratory she was in, all the subsequent reproduction efforts made by scientists worldwide could have been diverted from making new discoveries. Worse still, if such misconduct were systemic, such waste would take place continuously without notice.

 

References:

Rasko, J., & Power, C. (2015, February 18). What pushes scientists to lie? The disturbing but familiar story of Haruko Obokata. Retrieved November 22, 2016, from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/feb/18/haruko-obokata-stap-cells-controversy-scientists-lie

Universities UK. (July 2012). The concordat to support research integrity. Retrieved November 22, 2016 from http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/policy-and-analysis/reports/Documents/2012/the-concordat-to-support-research-integrity.pdf