JAXA: Research simulating life onboard ISS contained fabrications
- Reference: 1669721673
- News link: https://www.theregister.co.uk/2022/11/29/jaxa_fabricated_iss_study/
- Source link:
The $1.4 million experiment took place between 2016 and 2017 and included 42 participants who were confined to a closed environment for two weeks and supposedly evaluated for their mental well-being and stress levels.
The experiment design included the collection of saliva, urine and blood from the participants; monitoring daily activities such as sleep quantity and quality and interactions with fellow participants; as well as interviews to assess their mental state.
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However, according to JAXA, some of the interviews did not go ahead, some data was made up, and two researchers allegedly completed psychiatric evaluation assessments and rewrote diagnoses without following proper procedures. Furthermore, the space agency claimed, the experimenters falsely stated a third researcher had participated in interviews.
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The [4]report (in Japanese) provided by JAXA also alleges improper data management. Original materials were not saved and data that was collected did not leave a history. Furthermore, there were deficiencies in informed consent and Ethics Review Committee approval, it charged.
[5]ISS resupply drops off experiments for life in deep space
[6]Japan successfully propels steam-powered spacecraft
[7]ESA names first Parastronaut: paralympian and aspiring surgeon John McFall
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JAXA was tipped off when the data appeared inconsistent and subsequently started to probe the research project. Experts from both within and outside the space org conducted investigations between October 2021 and May 2022.
According to JAXA vice president Hiroshi Sasaki, the researchers [9]said [video] they falsified the data because they weren't given enough time to get real results, a relatable problem with an inadvisable solution. Sasaki also said the pair were not properly qualified nor supervised for the job.
Project supervisor and veteran astronaut Satoshi Furukawa will take the fall in the form of disciplinary action. Furukawa, however, was not one of the two researchers who fabricated data, thusly he'll be allowed to continue his career at JAXA, inclusive of a 2023 tip to the International Space Station (ISS).
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But the grant received to conduct the $692,000 research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is a different story. It could be that the department requests its return.
The space org has also submitted a report to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare.
"In this research, we were unable to obtain reliable data worthy of publication and publish the research results, which not only prevented us from responding to the mandate from the public, who are taxpayers, but also betrayed the goodwill of the research subjects who cooperated with the research," said JAXA.
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"JAXA sincerely apologizes for not being able to carry out its research responsibly," added the org. ®
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[4] https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2022/11/20221125-2_j.html
[5] https://www.theregister.com/2022/11/28/spacex_iss_resupply/
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[7] https://www.theregister.com/2022/11/25/esa_2022_astronauts/
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[12] https://whitepapers.theregister.com/
Wider problem
Even in that summary there are signs of a bigger issue. It reads like the researchers were given an impossible brief, in terms of time scales, with inadequate supervision. In other words, research done on the impossibly cheap on an industry that normally thinks in billions. So priorities?.
Re: Wider problem
It sounds to me like this was one application for funding that was sent out probably with dozens of others, with no one actually expecting it to get funded. When it did get funded, it was handed off to a couple of junior researchers, they were told to get on with it and not to bother management or anyone senior. Those junior researchers had problems, got no support, messed things up, and tried to cover it up. And this is what you get.
It doesnt look good on anyone at JAXA...
Re: Wider problem
I'm inclined to agree with you regarding Junior researchers - Those are literally schoolboy errors. The "deficiencies in informed consent and Ethics Review Committee approval" did it for me - You'd be unlikely to negotiate that minefield correctly the first time without some experienced guidance.
The falsification of data though - that's naughty no matter which way you look at it. No researcher goes down that road by accident.
If I was the client I'd definitely be wanting my money back.
Re: Wider problem
Sorry I just want to be clear, I meant in no way to condone or excuse the falsification of data by the junior researchers, whether they were supported or not. That really is unforgiveable.
Just that i can see how it would happen if no one is there to give them a good talking to if they even contemplated it...
Re: Wider problem
This is why any credible research institution has an oversight process for funding applications that includes realistic costing/staffing estimates, ethical committee approval etc. The usual story is "Jones got the funding for the Machine That Goes Ping, but unfortunately didn't realise it would require a new building, so there's no money for XXXX this year". Sounds like JAXA needs to tighten up.
It's Life (Jim)
But not as we know it.
Not a problem
They can just make a game out of it. Sim ISS might be a good name.
Or maybe ISS Tycoon.