Unreliable

In the name of honest and dedicated scientists, Unreliable is an outcry against the broken system of biomedical research. Csaba Szabo gives a comprehensive analysis of inept grant award schemes and corrupt publication practices and calls for an urgent overhaul. – Katalin Karikó, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or MedicineUnreliable courageously examines the systemic issues plaguing biomedical studies—from immense pressures to flawed incentives that drive researchers toward unethical practices. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with the integrity of scientific research and the implications of its shortcomings on society. – Albert-László Barabási, Northeastern UniversityThe problem of irreproducible and fraudulent research is addressed in depth by an active researcher at the top level of biomedical science. This highly readable book gives unique insights into the process of how research is funded and conducted, how this creates problems, and what we need to do to counteract an alarming growth in shoddy science. – Dorothy Bishop, Oxford UniversityScience is a respected profession, but it is the product of human activity. Thus, human errors are inevitable. Moreover, some scientists make hubristic claims, and some even engage in data falsification and fabrication. Unreliable exposes the various factors that contribute to the reproducibility crisis in biomedical science. – György Buzsáki, New York UniversityThe stories in the book are from the frontlines, where those of us who try to maintain research funding and run a lab are fighting misconduct daily. Importantly, the book offers concrete solutions for how we as scientists might hope to fix the broken systems of research oversight. – Paul Brookes, University of Rochester Medical CenterIf one of the world’s most highly cited biomedical scientists concludes that the majority of the published biomedical literature is unreliable, you better pay attention. Unreliable is supported by vast amounts of data, and it is infused with biting, sarcastic dark humor. – George Hasko, Columbia UniversityJaw-dropping. A troubling wake-up call for scientific researchers. * Publishers Weekly *Szabo blows the lid off his field. Essential reading for everyone working in—and contemplating entering—biomedical science, ‘Unreliable’ is an engrossing, timely contribution to research fraud, the resultant reproducibility crisis, and the ongoing battle for scientific integrity. * Psychology Today *[‘Unreliable’] is a disturbing but compelling exploration of the causes of irreproducibility—from hypercompetition and honest errors, to statistical shenanigans and outright fraud. * C&EN *Szabo knows this world inside out and has managed to rise to the top of his field. * The Spectator *This is a rollicking good read, written in an informal style, and enlivened by cartoons, which works as a scholarly and accessible account of the so-called reproducibility crisis in biomedical research. * Bishop Blog *Szabo…dissects the ways he’s seen research go wrong in his 30 years in academia and industry: data manipulation, poor experimental design, statistical errors and more. It’s a sobering, often depressing, litany. * The Wall Street Journal *In total, [this] book is wonderful. [Szabo’s] efforts are affable and admirable. * Niklas Reviews *For anyone thinking about stepping into academia, especially biomedical research, this book is a must-read.​ This book isn’t just for aspiring scientists. It’s a wake-up call for those already deep in biomedical research and a revealing read for the general public whose tax dollars fund these endeavors. Unreliable serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action.​ * Sekar Writes *​The book is dynamite, and it’s written by one of the biggest cheeses in medical research. * What Doctors Don’t Tell You *Szabo’s message is clear: science is drowning in waste and fakery, and it’s time to stop pretending otherwise. If we want science we can trust, we’ll need to rethink everything—from the classroom to the lab bench to the journal page. The clock’s ticking. It’s a book no one wanted to write—but one we all need to read. * Watts Up With That? *[Szabo’s] engaging book is stuffed with facts and evidence. His call to arms could not come soon enough. * Nature *Highly recommended. * Choice Reviews *

Csaba Szabo is among the world’s most cited biomedical scientists. He is head of the Section of Pharmacology at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, and for twenty-five years, he led biomedical research groups at various universities in the United States.