Lawsuit fears affecting research, says author

A GROWING fear of being sued can affect the conduct of scientific research.

Scientists have already begun to face legal cases while attempting to carry out research studies, according to leading author Simon Singh.

Mr Singh was speaking from the UK via a video link last night at a special event at the Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin. Asked whether he thought legal actions might inhibit research he said, “Yes I do.”

He described how Swedish scientists who used lie detector equipment in their research now faced a libel action related to their research paper. In another case scientists were being sued after they commented on a heart device, with the company subsequently taking an action.

His comments come in the context of his own legal battle against the British Chiropractic Association. The association sued the best-selling author and science writer over an article he wrote last year in the Guardian.

The media had always been wary of libel actions and to an extent the risk of cases had brought about a degree of “self-censorship” he said. “They just don’t write because of fear of a libel suit.”

This was increasingly true in the area of research and science writing. “There are areas where academics fear to tread,” he suggested. A website provides information about Mr Singh’s ongoing legal campaign, with details at www.senseaboutscience.org