> Well, I wonder if this could force people to start publishing their code so others can replicate the results. This would help greatly with the kinds of issues

> Well, I wonder if this could force people to start publishing their code so others can replicate the results. This would help greatly with the kinds of issues that are being discussed: The real solution to the problem is to set a rule that says if you use a lab's published code base AT ALL for new work, you must cite the people who produced it along with the PI of that lab. No exceptions; acknowledgements don't count. Labs (especially those outside of CS such as life sciences labs) view code as IP and they don't want to release their code bases for two reasons: First, they don't think they will be properly cited when people use it (valid concern). Second, they think that they will lose their monopoly on future publications using the code base (less valid concern). Mandatory citation would solve both of those problems. Until a rule like this is in place, most labs will fight you tooth and nail on releasing code.