Ethics of research and scientific publication: challenge and proposal for scientists and editors

Purpose/Background: Research in general and biomedical research in particular must have scientific publication as one of its obligatory outcomes, for its visibility and better contribution to society. However, an imbalance is often found between the ethical care of research and the ethical considerations of publication. This difference can have a direct negative impact on the credibility, feasibility, and reproducibility of research and the possibilities of disseminating publications, since editors would reluctantly authorize the publication of manuscripts with such flaws. Methodology/Approach: A bioethical parallel was made between the ethics of research and the ethics of publication, based on the requirements proposed by E. Emanuel for research involving human beings. Results/Findings: As a result, guidelines for verification are provided that will serve as a tool for researchers to improve the ethical content of their publications, and for editors to substantiate the ethical care of what is intended to be published. Discussion/Conclusions/Contributions: It is important to have a set of simple, practical and widely disseminated guidelines that go hand in hand with the indications that govern biomedical research, which will help both researchers and editors to approach publications without ethical problems and thus avoid publication malpractice. It is also recommended that researchers receive specific training in publication ethics.