Guidelines for good scientific practice

The Danish Committee on Scientific Dishonesty (DCSD) has existed for five years. As a preventive measure two sets of guidelines for the presentation of experimental reports and data documentation have been issued. Experiences from 24 cases of suspected scientific dishonesty have proven a need for further guidelines covering a wider range of scientific practice. Three key areas susceptible to conflicts between researchers and often resulting in subsequent accusations of scientific misconduct have been localized. Guidelines have, therefore, been prepared for these three areas: 1) Agreements at the start of cooperative research projects. 2) Rights and duties in storing and using research data. 3) Authorship. It is hoped that they will be helpful in prevention of conflicts and deviations from good scientific practice, and that they will be useful in the education of young researchers.