Research misconduct cases reviewed by ethics committees serve as a valuable source of data for managing potential future misconduct. This study examines the reported cases within closed research misconduct files of the National Committee for Ethics in Biomedical Research of Iran, aiming to identify common manifestations of misconduct and influential factors across various activities within the research system. Documentation from 100 closed cases reviewed by the National Committee for Ethics in Biomedical Research during 2016 and 2017 was analyzed. A documentary research method and qualitative content analysis were employed. Using a directional analysis approach, the manifestations and factors contributing to misconduct in each case were extracted and categorized. Subsequently, causal relationships between the reported factors were defined. Twenty-one manifestations of research misconduct were identified, most of which involved undesirable micro-level activities, particularly the failure to adhere to ethical standards in research publication. Although negative impacts were observed at the meso level, including issues with research oversight, training in research standards and skills, journal management structures, and administrative and financial structures within universities, macro-level activities and deficiencies in research system performance—such as inadequate investment and financial resource allocation—were not addressed. Twelve causal relationships contributing to research misconduct were identified, highlighting how inadequate performance across different levels of the research system—including administrative structures for research approval and funding, research infrastructure, research evaluation, training, journal management, and oversight mechanisms—can interact and exacerbate misconduct. A key finding was the insufficient reporting of reasons for research misconduct in case documentation. Ethics committees appear to lack significant focus on analyzing the underlying causes of misconduct. Detailed and precise reporting of misconduct reasons, alongside independent studies, would provide decision-makers with valuable insights for preventing future occurrences.
