The Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) is celebrating this month after its in-house magazine, CRfocus, was accepted as a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (Cope)
Formed in 1997, Cope is a forum for editors of peer-reviewed journals to discuss issues related to the integrity of the scientific record.
It supports and encourages editors to report, catalogue and instigate investigations into ethical problems in the publication process and aims to provide a sounding board for editors in dealing with possible breaches in research and publication ethics.
Other members of Cope include the British Medical Journal and the Lancet, plus over 400 other primary journals.
"Data falsification, plagiarism and other forms of fraudulent publication are relatively uncommon but can damage the scientific record and can seriously impact on literature surveys," explained CRfocus editor Andrew Smith.
"This incorrect data is particularly dangerous in clinical research and medicine, where future prescribing decisions based in part on falsified information can increase risk to patients and study participants.
"It is vital that professionals in all aspects of medicine, including readers of CRfocus, demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of research and publication.
"This is why we are proud to be affiliated with Cope and its valuable work".
CRfocus has been published for 19 years and is ICR's peer-reviewed members' journal which features authoritative articles to keep readers up to date with best practice and help them develop their careers.
