University suspends scientist
Microbiologist investigated over allegations he falsified research
AN AWARD-winning young Scottish scientist is under investigation for misconduct after being accused of falsifying and duplicating crucial research.
Dr Robert Ryan, who has received almost £1.1 million in grants for his groundbreaking work in molecular bacteriology, has been suspended from his senior post at Dundee University.
The extent of the alleged misconduct is unclear, but the allegations are a blow not only to Dundee University, recognised as a world leader in life sciences, but also to institutions around the world who have worked with Dr Ryan.
It is understood his research group at the university has been dissolved, with PhD students and staff scientists reallocated elsewhere while a formal investigation takes place.
A source told Scotland on Sunday: “This is a huge development for the scientific community and his field.”
Dr Ryan has received extensive public funding as a senior research fellow for the Wellcome Trust, the world’s largest medical research charity, where he is at the forefront of global research which could lead to new treatments for cystic fibrosis.
Since moving to Dundee from University College Cork in 2013, Dr Ryan has won several high-profile prizes, including the Society for General Microbiology’s Fleming Prize for “outstanding research” by a microbiologist in the early stages of his or her career.
He also won the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Patrick Neill medal for emerging researchers who have demonstrated “outstanding ability” and was awarded the Society for Applied Microbiology’s WH Pierce Prize for microbiologists under the age of 40 who have made a substantial contribution in the field.
He has also received considerable grants, including a £200,000 award as part of the Lister Institute Research Prize Fellowship, and a £320,000 CFMATTERS grant for research into cystic fibrosis. Dundee University confirmed that a member of staff has been suspended pending investigation.
A university spokesman said: “There is an ongoing investigation into an allegation of research misconduct. In order not to prejudice in any way the outcome of that investigation, we are unable to comment further on it at this time.
“The university has clear policies relating to research misconduct, and any such allegations are thoroughly investigated.”
In a statement, the Wellcome Trust added: “We take allegations of research misconduct seriously. We expect institutions to investigate any allegation of misconduct, as the University of Dundee are doing in this case, and we would consider taking action only if allegations are upheld. As the university’s investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”
Dr Ryan was not available for comment.
‘‘ The university has clear policies relating to research misconduct. Any such allegations are thoroughly investigated