University of Barcelona’s CREA Research Group Faces Scrutiny Over Unofficial Ethics Committee

The CREA research group at the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) is currently under investigation due to the establishment of an unofficial ethics committee, which was created without the university’s prior knowledge or approval. This situation has raised significant ethical concerns within the academic community.

Details Surrounding the Creation of the Ethics Committee

The committee, referred to as the CREA Ethics Committee, was composed of members from the research group and was reportedly involved in validating various research projects. Its existence was noted in numerous scientific publications up until 2025. However, it is crucial to highlight that the university maintains an official ethics committee that is responsible for overseeing research ethics. The CREA committee was notably absent from the Network of Ethics Committees of Spanish universities, raising questions about its legitimacy and adherence to established protocols.

Investigations and Allegations of Misconduct

The Universitat de Barcelona has initiated an internal investigation to determine whether the articles published by the CREA group, which referenced this unofficial validation, circumvented the mandatory official ethics review process. This review is essential for any research projects involving external participants. The rector of the university launched this investigation in July, following allegations against Ramón Flecha, the founder of the CREA group, who is accused of inappropriate conduct towards several academics.

Anonymous sources have indicated that the creation of the CREA committee was significantly influenced by Flecha’s intense focus on research publication, a drive that reportedly intensified in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee was comprised of six academics, with Flecha’s leadership role being acknowledged until January 2025. This timeline raises further questions about the oversight and governance of research ethics within the group.

Experts in the field of scientific publishing have expressed concerns regarding the insular nature of the CREA committee. They argue that such a committee may not effectively serve the broader academic community, potentially undermining the integrity of the research process. If the university’s official ethics review processes are perceived as slow or cumbersome, researchers might be tempted to seek validation from recognized international committees instead, which could further complicate the ethical landscape of academic research.

Understanding Ethical Review Requirements in Spanish Academia

In Spain, universities have established ethics committees to review research projects that involve human subjects or data. Traditionally, these reviews have focused primarily on scientific and medical research, but there has been a growing trend to apply these ethical standards to social sciences as well. Many academic journals now mandate proof of ethical review as a prerequisite for publication, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established ethical guidelines.

The Universitat de Barcelona has clearly outlined that any research involving individuals or their data must undergo an ethical review. It is the responsibility of the research personnel to secure a favorable report from the Bioethics Committee before proceeding with their projects. Most of the articles published by the CREA group involve surveys or interviews with faculty, students, or other professionals, making ethical review particularly critical in these cases.

The ongoing investigation into Ramón Flecha and the CREA group extends beyond the allegations of misconduct. It also scrutinizes the overall behavior of the group, which has been described as humiliating or intimidating by some former members. Previous claims have suggested that the CREA group operated in a manner reminiscent of a cult, although earlier allegations were dismissed by the prosecution. This characterization raises serious concerns about the internal dynamics of the group and its impact on academic freedom and ethical research practices.

Key points

• The CREA research group at UB has formed an unofficial ethics committee without university notification.
• This committee has been referenced in scientific articles until 2025.
• Investigations are ongoing regarding allegations against Ramón Flecha for inappropriate conduct.
• The UB has an official ethics committee that oversees research ethics.
• Ethics reviews are increasingly required for publication in scientific journals.
• Concerns have been raised about the insular nature of the CREA committee.
• Previous allegations suggested the CREA group operated in a cult-like manner.