One of the biggest problems with this form of scientific fraud is that "university investigations into research misconduct are often inadequate, opaque and poorly conducted.
"[1] Sometimes intentional fabrication can be difficult to distinguish from unintentional academic incompetence or malpractice.
Scientific misconduct is grounds for dismissal of tenured faculty, as well as for forfeiture of research grants.
In some cases, however, especially if the researcher is senior and well-established, the academic community can close ranks to prevent injury to the scientist's career.
An interesting case is the accusation against Dr. Margaret Mead, a world-renowned anthropologist who published field work conducted early in her life, which proclaimed that Samoan culture was more relaxed and harmonious about sexual relations and mores.