September 10, 2007
Panel determines research allegations merit additional investigation
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A Purdue University committee formed to inquire into allegations of research misconduct against nuclear engineering professor Rusi Taleyarkhan has determined that several matters merit further investigation.Purdue initiated the review at the direction of The Office of Naval Research (ONR), which is one of the sponsors of Taleyarkhan's research. Joseph L. Bennett, vice president for university relations at Purdue, said Monday (Sept. 10) that the committee considered allegations received from numerous sources since March 2007.
"The review has been diligent and wide-ranging," Bennett said. "The ONR Inspector General has received a report of the committee's work and is studying it. ONR has instructed Purdue that it may not comment further at this time. Both ONR's rules and Purdue's policy on research integrity require that Purdue continue to maintain confidentiality during the next stage of the process."
Bennett said the inquiry committee is the first step in Purdue's process for handling allegations of research misconduct. The committee's recommendation means that, after ONR indicates it is satisfied with the inquiry report, Purdue will appoint an investigation committee. ONR's Inspector General will determine the deadline for the investigation committee to complete its work.
Source: Joseph L. Bennett, (765) 494-2082, jlbennett@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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