To whom should researchers report suspected instances of research misconduct?

Researchers should report suspected instances of research misconduct to the appropriate institutional and regulatory authorities because these bodies are equipped to handle such allegations in a systematic and formal manner. Reporting to these authorities ensures that the situation is investigated thoroughly and can lead to the appropriate actions being taken, such as corrective measures, sanctions, or further inquiry into the research practices in question.

This approach protects the integrity of the research process and promotes accountability, as institutional and regulatory bodies have established protocols and expertise for managing such reports. They can investigate the claims while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines, which is vital in fostering a safe and credible research environment.

In contrast, discussing allegations with fellow researchers may not lead to a resolution, and could risk spreading unverified information. Similarly, reporting to the media could potentially sensationalize the issue and undermine the process of formal investigation. Informing study participants may cause unnecessary alarm without proper context and could violate confidentiality, thus making it an inappropriate choice as well.