Trends in Japanese Research Ethics in the 21st Century: Research Misconduct and Related Policies

Abstract

Japan and South Korea both have relatively high rates of research misconduct in the biomedical sciences. These two countries also share other relevant characteristics, including being latecomers to research ethics and having hierarchical cultures and competitive research environments. Given these similarities, Korea can learn from Japan’s efforts to eradicate research misconduct. In the 2010s, after experiencing several high-profile cases of misconduct, Japanese authorities implemented measures to combat research misconduct at the national level. However, these measures have so far been outweighed by other policies that aggravate excessive competition and a negative research culture in science and technology. This article argues that the key lesson for Korea from Japan’s experiences fighting research misconduct is that instead of focusing only on research ethics education and punishment, it is necessary to (a) establish a system of manpower training with secure employment in science and technology, (b) abolish the ‘winner takes all’ strategy in research funding, and (c) promote bottom-up policy-making.