Engineering and the law: pillorying well-stocked scientists

Previously (ibid., March 1993, March 1994, May 1994) the authors discussed the conflict between headline-seeking reporters, and zealous scientists at the Office of Research Integrity seeking to convict high profile researchers of misconduct. The authors also discussed the rights of the researchers to a fair hearing on the charges against them. Here the following topics are discussed: responsibilities of the Director; responsibilities of the Policy and Education Division; responsibilities of the Research Investigations Division; misappropriation of NHS funds and the ALERT system; protecting whistleblowers; how to avoid trouble