Is there just one rotten apple in the barrel? Or is the barrel itself contaminated? There are many in Germany who believe that the suspicions of scientific misconduct raised against three clinical researchers, originally from Freiburg (see Nature 405, 871–872; 2000), is a sign that the system of clinical research and promotion in Germany provides a breeding ground for bad scientific practice.

Suspicions against the researchers were revealed during a two-year independent analysis of research papers stemming from the laboratory of prominent Freiburg clinician Roland Mertelsmann, in the wake of the scandal surrounding Mertelsmann's former right-hand man, Friedhelm Herrmann. A couple of years ago, Herrmann's meteoric career crashed following charges that data had been fabricated in many of his research papers. The careers of two others which were also launched from the Mertelsmann group are now in question after the task force that conducted the analysis presented evidence of data manipulation in their Habilitation theses. (Habilitation is a high-level research qualification required for an academic career, particularly in the clinical sciences.)

Charges of scientific negligence have been brought against Mertelsmann himself. Whatever the outcome, there is a glaring paradox in the clinical system in Germany: although a long publication list is required for any top clinical position—even for those positions where no research will ever be done—there is no formal requirement for any training in research methods. On top of this, clinicians are not given leave from their wards for their research; data must be collected after hours. That is a blueprint for trouble.

The solution is as obvious as the paradox: Habilitation should be scrapped. Promotion should be based on an appropriate assessment of quality, not quantity, of research, balanced against bedside skills. And a PhD or MD/PhD programme for clinicians should be introduced. Despite public censure, the Bavarian Chamber of Physicians allows Herrmann to continue practising as a clinician in Munich. So why are there no positive moves to change? Because the medical profession is deeply conservative, protective and arrogant.