Responding to allegations of scientific misconduct: The procedure at the French National Medical and Health-Research Institute

Institutions in France are not yet well prepared to respond to allegations of scientific misconduct. Following a serious allegation in late 1997, INSE RM,* the primary organization for medical and health-related research in Fr ance, began to reflect on this subject, aided by scientists and jurists. Th e conclusions have resulted in establishing a procedure to be followed in c ases of alleged misconduct, and also in reinforcing the application of good laboratory practices within each laboratory. Guidelines for authorship pra ctices and scientific assessment must also be considered. Even though each institution must remain responsible for responding to allegations of scient ific misconduct within its doors, INSERM wound like to see national, Europe an, and international co-ordination about the methods of such response.