RESPECT | TRUST | INCLUSION | DISCOVERY | EXCELLENCE
The machine ate my results:
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A postdoctoral associate (postdoc) in a Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) lab wrote a paper based on research they produced in the PI’s lab under the PI’s supervision and with assistance from other lab members. The postdoc is in a rush to submit the paper to the journal as they would like to have the paper published before the year end. The postdoc discusses the paper with the PI and the PI is supportive. The PI asks the postdoc to present the paper at the bi-weekly lab meeting where all lab members are encouraged to present ideas and then ask questions of one another.
The postdoc presents the content of the paper at the lab meeting. It is well-received, and a lively discussion ensues. A fellow lab member who worked on the research covered in the paper and who will be listed as an author asks to check some of the data referenced and realizes the original data file from one of the main lab machines used cannot be located. They tell the postdoc (as the first author on the paper) as well as the PI. The postdoc is unsure how to proceed but points out that all of the subsequent analysis files have been retained on the lab Box folder. The PI indicates they need to recover the original data file if possible since this must be available to the journal if the editors ask. The post doc is disappointed with this potential delay and questions this approach.
At Duke, we conduct sponsored research and other funded program work as a trusted steward of the resources, in accordance with agreements, and in a way that can be replicated and/or reproduced. Responsible conduct of research principles, promote ongoing discussion and examination of research procedures, collaborator relationships and ethical considerations in the research culture. Duke believes in and supports scientific excellence and a culture of rigor, reproducibility, and continuous improvement in our practices.
Fact finding and intervention:
The Duke Office of Scientific Integrity (DOSI) was contacted to provide guidance on best practices. Because the question related to potential data irregularities, it was referred to the Research Integrity Officer to determine next steps.
Duke reviews all allegations of possible research misconduct following the policy describing the review process.
Resolution and action plan:
DOSI indicated the postdoc should follow the lab’s data management plan (consistent with Duke practices) to preserve experimental details, results, and analyses for review. The lab had a Data Management SOP in place that was reviewed by DOSI ASIST. The following was decided in discussions between DOSI and the PI:
- Immediate pause on submitting the paper to the journal allowing time to locate or recreate the source data;
- If this data could not be located, the scientific work would need to be reperformed;
- The PI will provide additional education to the lab members;
- The PI will check that lab equipment results are uploaded into an appropriately secured file location with protected access, such as the auditable electronic lab notebook (Lab Archives).
*This vignette is loosely based on real cases received through Duke’s Speak Up program and/or other investigatory offices. Creative license was taken to protect the identities of those involved.*