Beyond truth and profit: The show must go on, still

Q3 Medicine Ethics, Medicine and Public Health Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.jemep.2025.101063

J. Park

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

The stem cell research manipulation scandal involving Dr. Woo Suk Hwang sparked widespread ethical and scientific debate. Previous work published in the Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics [1] explored suspicions surrounding the scandal. This discussion builds on that foundation in light of a recent publication, Ethical Innovation for Global Health, and aims to examine the broader implications of the case.

Objective

To analyze the lessons learned from the Hwang case with an alternative perspective and propose solutions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Methods

This paper revisits the details of the Hwang scandal, focusing on ethical, financial, and political dimensions, and reviews subsequent developments, including a reevaluation of Hwang’s scientific contributions and their recognition through patents.

Results

Despite the fabrications, key scientific achievements were later corroborated, with the Science journal’s chief editor asserting that the main discoveries remained valid. Hwang’s techniques were even patented by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, political forces shifted public focus away from core issues, finally undermining research integrity.

Conclusions

The Hwang scandal highlights the complex interplay of ethics, science, and politics in research misconduct. This paper argues for revisiting the role of social scientists in addressing and understanding scientific scandals to better uphold the integrity of research practices.

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来源期刊

Ethics, Medicine and Public Health Medicine-Health Policy

CiteScore

2.20

自引率

0.00%

发文量

107

审稿时长

42 days

期刊介绍： This review aims to compare approaches to medical ethics and bioethics in two forms, Anglo-Saxon (Ethics, Medicine and Public Health) and French (Ethique, Médecine et Politiques Publiques). Thus, in their native languages, the authors will present research on the legitimacy of the practice and appreciation of the consequences of acts towards patients as compared to the limits acceptable by the community, as illustrated by the democratic debate.