Stem cell experts say they believe a small group of scientists is effectively vetoing high quality science from publication in journals. In some cases they say it might be done to deliberately stifle research that is in competition with their own. It has also emerged that 14 leading stem cell researchers have written an open letter to journal editors in order to highlight their dissatisfaction. Billions of pounds of public money is spent on funding stem cell research. The open letter to the major scientific journals claims that ‘papers that are scientifically flawed or comprise only modest technical increments often attract undue profile. At the same time publication of truly original findings may be delayed or rejected’. Two internationally-renowned researchers have spoken to BBC News about their concerns. They are Robin Lovell-Badge, who is speaking in a personal capacity, and Austin Smith, from the University of Cambridge. Professor Lovell-Badge said: ‘It’s turning things into a clique where only papers that satisfy this select group of a few reviewers who think of themselves as very important people in the field is published. It’s an editor’s responsibility to ensure that delays are minimised, and […]