What does the term 'whistleblower' refer to in the context of research?

In the context of research, the term 'whistleblower' specifically refers to a person who reports unethical behavior or misconduct. This role is critical in maintaining the integrity of the research environment, as whistleblowers often provide essential information that can lead to the investigation of fraud, misconduct, or violations of ethical standards. By bringing attention to these issues, whistleblowers help ensure accountability and promote a culture of transparency and integrity within research institutions.

The actions of whistleblowers are vital for fostering an ethical research climate because they often put their own careers at risk in order to expose wrongdoing. This serves not only to protect the integrity of research but also to safeguard the interests of participants, institutions, and the broader public. Therefore, understanding the role of whistleblowers and the protections available for them is an important aspect of responsible conduct in research.