$40 Million Government Scientist Referred to Queensland Corruption Commission – Do you support it?
Guest essay by Eric Worrall
A leading Australian government-funded cancer researcher has been referred to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission for alleged scientific fraud.
Top scientist addresses corruption watchdog over alleged research misconduct
Via Liam Mannix
November 23, 2021 – 3.04pmOne of Australia’s top cancer scientists, who received nearly $40 million in taxpayer-funded research grants, has been directed by his institute to the Crime and Corruption Commission of Queensland for allegations of research misconduct.
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute based in Brisbane has confirmed The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday, it referred Mark Smyth, until recently the head of the institute for oncology immunology, to the committee following an external investigation into complaints about the conduct of his study.
The external investigation, led by retired Court of Appeals judge Robert Gotterson, found Prof Smyth had made a serious breach of the responsible research code, the institute said in a statement. The results of the investigation have been forwarded to the Crime and Corruption Commission, it said.
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Professor Smyth is one of Australia’s leading scientists and has received millions of dollars in government and commercial funding. The investigation has the potential for widespread breakdown in the entire field of study.
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As far as I know, Professor Smyth has not been found guilty of the misconduct he is accused of. Due to the lack of detail, I suggest we all reserve judgment until more information is available. Professor Smyth may have been doing something really naughty, or he could have been the victim of evil tricks on academic politics.
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