Whistleblowing and Scientific Misconduct

This special issue presents a series of articles on the general theme of whistleblowing and misconduct in science. Coverage includes: a chronicle of documents and public statements used as a fascinating means for approaching a complex case of alleged scientific misconduct and its aftermath; a complex problem involving the accuracy of research reports with significant bearing on public policy; a firsthand account of attempted suppression of whistleblowing in biomedical research and the long-term costs to the whistleblower. The "truth" must of necessity be determined by the readers themselves; however, these articles illustrate both the complexity of cases involving allegations of scientific misconduct and the existence of alternate constructions of reality.