What's Keeping Scientists From Doing Their Jobs?

A scientist's job is to uncover the truths that govern the world around us and to use those truths to advance society. This basic tenet of science might explain why scientists are rated as the most honest professionals, ahead of even clergy. Given the right mix of incentives, even they can be led to lie and cheat, however.

As the ranks of this academic elite have swelled, tenured university positions have become increasingly rare and grants have become harder to secure. The field is fraught with so much competition and so little oversight as a result of it that the quality of research conducted today is under scrutiny.