Customer Reviews

Impure Science: Fraud, Compromise and Political Influence in Scientific Research

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Some work I did as a graduate research assistant is highlighted in Impure Science (we were on the side of purity). These are clear stories of science gone wrong. I'd suggest this as background to more current assessments.

A discussion of fraud in science that focuses on a few cases in detail, rather than surveying many. The funding process in particular is illuminating, and "following the money" exposes corruption. In the examples given, proposals are denied because of unsubstantiated rumors generated by research competitors, large money awards are made to institutions clearly less suitable because of bias and political reasons, and the NSF can actively try to cover these up. The topic of doctoring data is examined, particularly the David Baltimore and Stephen Breuning cases; the most disturbing aspect being the obstructionism of the institutions involved, to the extent of taking action against the whistleblowers. Fraud in drug and military research are also discussed. While some suggestions for dealing with these problems are included, this part is weak. This book is recommended, especially to those who think that science is always a self-correcting process.

Actually I am looking for the new Robert Bell which I heard was published recently. he gave an interview to a Dutch weekly where this new publication was announced. the topic is big projects and why they are doomed to fail (Eurotunnel, Eurofighter, B1) Anyone who knows more about this, pls contact me thanks, p.verhoeven@eif.org