The fallout: What happens to whistleblowers and those accused but exonerated of scientific misconduct?

Current DHHS regulations require that policies and procedures developed by institutions to handle allegations of scientific misconduct include provisi ons for "undertaking diligent efforts to protect the positions and reputati ons of those persons who, in good faith, make allegations." Analogously, in stitutions receiving PHS funds are required to protect the confidentiality of those accused of such misconduct or, failing that, to restore their repu tations if the allegations are not confirmed. Based on two surveys, one of whistleblowers and one of individuals accused but exonerated of scientific misconduct, this paper examines how well the system works to protect both s ets of participants in cases of alleged misconduct. Contrary to popular impressions created by notorious cases, substantial min orities of both whistleblowers and exonerated scientists experience no adve rse outcomes at the time the allegations are made and pursued. During this period, however, whistleblowers report more negative outcomes and more seve re negative outcomes than their accused bur exonerated counterparts. In the longer nln, majorities of both groups report little impact on different as pects of their careers or professional activities, though those who report any impacts generally report negative ones. The accused but exonerated, how ever, appear to fare worse than whistleblowers in impacts on several aspect s of their personal lives; their mental health, physical health, self-estee m, and self-identity. The evidence from these studies suggests that: (1) federal officials should focus on the role of institutional and departmental officials in mediating the most severe consequences experienced by those involved in these incide nts; (2) potential whistleblowers and accused scientists should be counsele d regarding the likely harm they will suffer if their case gains notoriety or if they hire an attorney; and (3) institutions can best protect whistleb lowers and those accused but exonerated of scientific misconduct by acting promptly and limiting access to information.