If you're a researcher at a university, you are most likely under a great deal of pressure. You constantly have to ensure you have enough funding to do your studies, maintain the support of your institution, and manage teams of research assistants and graduate students. To avoid sanctions and still be eligible for federal funding, you have strict rules to follow too.

If you get accused of research misconduct, it can make things even harder for you. You could end up having to stop your research or, worse, lose your position at your educational institution. If you're accused of any kind of research misconduct, you should act quickly to defend yourself.

A Penn Professor Is Banned from Further Research

In early July 2023, University of Pennsylvania scientist William M. Armstead agreed to a seven-year ban on federally funded research as a result of an investigation into his research misconduct. He was accused of 51 falsified and fabricated figures in various research journals and grant applications. He and his lab were testing drugs on pigs with brain injuries.

Armstead had exaggerated the results of the tests to make the drug look more effective than it actually was. To test the drugs, Armstead and his research team had to injure the pigs' brains. When Armstead deliberately misrepresented the results, it meant that the animals' injuries served no purpose.

Dr. Armstead left Penn Medicine during the 2021-2022 academic year, and a spokesperson confirmed that he is no longer a faculty member at the university. Four of the five studies published based on Armstead's falsified results have been retracted by the journals that published them.

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has put an outright ban on Dr. Armstead's activities. He is not even allowed to carry out research under supervision, effective for the next seven years.

What to Do If You're Accused of Research Misconduct

If someone at your university has reported you for falsifying results or another form of research misconduct, things can spiral out of control quickly. You don't want to end up having all your studies retracted or losing your job. Your institution will most likely carry out an investigation first, and if they find anything that might constitute misconduct, they may have to report you to the ORI.

If the ORI finds that you've committed misconduct, you could end up with a sanction such as supervised research or a ban from doing research in your field.

You have enough to deal with—handling an accusation of research misconduct as well can be simply overwhelming. The Education Law Team at the LLF Law Firm can help. We've helped faculty and students deal with their colleges and universities nationwide and assist you too. Book an appointment with us today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online.