By: Ron Leuty
Paul S. Thaler Discusses Research Scientific Research Misconduct Case involving Stanford University President
Paul Thaler spoke with the San Francisco Business Journal regarding the investigation of Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne for allegations of research misconduct.
The claims made against Tessier-Lavigne involve concerns about scientific papers he co-authored in the field of neuroscience more than 20 years ago, including potentially manipulated images. These types of claims are known to have a significant impact on the scientific community, with research funding and reputational damage at stake.
Paul, partner and chair of the firm’s Research Misconduct Group, noted that it is unusual for these types of investigations to go public, particularly so long after publication, commenting “The difference between the formal process and the public airing like a criminal case, discussed while there’s an ongoing investigation – this is a huge concern for any scientist.”
Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne is facing an internal investigation around allegations that a 2008 paper he co-authored contained altered images.
Three other papers in the journals Science and Nature that were published by Tessier-Lavigne also contain “serious problems,” according to an investigator who was asked by The Stanford Daily to review several separate claims of scientific misconduct against Tessier-Lavigne.