The University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill's vice chancellor for research has been found responsible for engaging in research misconduct after submitting a federal grant application for cancer research to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Chronicle of Higher Education reports the findings came after an investigation conducted by the federal Office of Research Integrity (ORI) into Dr. Terry Magnuson, the Kay M. & Van L. Weatherspoon Eminent Distinguished Professor within the Department of Genetics at UNC's School of Medicine.

During his seven-year tenure at the position, Magnuson has increased the total dollar amount of research at the UNC School of Medicine (SOM) to over $1 billion. The division defines its responsibility to set strategic goals, oversee grant and research proposals, locate capital for new and ongoing projects, and develop research teams.

Research Misconduct Discovery

Plagiarized text was discovered during the NIH's peer review process for federal grants. An investigation was launched by ORI, a federal division within the U.S. Department of Health (USDH), tasked with investigating and penalizing scientists engaging in research misconduct throughout various federal agencies, including the NIH. The oversight review found that Magnuson “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly plagiarizing text” from three research articles found online and one published academic research paper.

The long-time research vice chancellor stated in a message posted online that the instances of plagiarism were a “mistake” that occurred when he failed to replace text he had entered into the federal grant application as a “placeholder.” Magnuson explained there was little time to resubmit the proposal and didn't want to disappoint his lab staff by not completing it. “I lost track of my editing and failed to rework the text or cite the sources,” he said.

Research Misconduct Violations by Administrators

The Report on Research Compliance stated that plagiarism, including other forms of “fabrication and falsification,” are research misconduct violations according to federal regulations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). After the findings were uncovered, ORI announced that Magnuson admitted to the research misconduct and was set to begin a 22-month “Supervision Period.”

During that timeframe, Magnuson's grant applications would be subject to a 30-day review by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) and the Office of Research (OR) within the UNC SOM to check for plagiarism and ensure compliance with the acceptable scientific practice for citation.

However, UNC colleagues began voicing their concerns about the matter when Magnuson kept his administrative position after being found responsible for plagiarism.

An “Untouchable” Position?

It wasn't until UNC Faculty Chairwoman Mimi Chapman publicly questioned why Magnuson had remained in his administrative position after ORI issued its findings. Chapman expounded on Magnuson's statement that he didn't apologize for the actions committed but blamed his schedule as vice chancellor of research.

“As a faculty, we believe that this situation has the potential to taint our own scholarship and gives the impression that some members of our community are ‘untouchable' while for others such a situation would be a career-ender,” she said.

Magnuson has since stepped down from his position and is replaced by Penny Gordon-Larsen, associate dean for research at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, and Carla Smith Chamblee, Distinguished Professor of Global Nutrition, to serve as interim vice chancellor for research. In a statement, Magnuson explained that he would remain a faculty member with the UNC SOM and continue to have his work monitored through the proper channel per the outcome of the investigation.

Even Esteemed Professors Face Consequences

Not only can students face harsh consequences if they are found responsible for plagiarism and other research misconduct, but so can anyone connected with an academic institution. At UNC, their university policy details that any employee alleged to have engaged in research misconduct will face the Inquiry Committee led by a research integrity officer (RIO). These investigative and disciplinary proceedings are completed in no more than 60 days. Only a preponderance of evidence determines the responsibility of the allegations, meaning the Inquiry Committee will be at least 50 percent certain the respondent is responsible for the allegations. The institution will then ascertain an adequate punishment, which may include:

1. Correcting the research record or results.
2. Imposing assurance requirements to guarantee compliance with regulations of awards or grants.
3. Removal from a research project(s) or positions of authority.
4. Suspension or termination of awards or grants.
5. Special monitoring by the university or federal governing bodies while conducting future research.
6. Salary reduction per university policy.
7. Letter of reprimand in an employee's file.
8. Suspension or termination of employment from the academic institution.

Even if the decision is made by the RIO and Inquiry Committee not to conduct an investigation, the detailed documentation of the allegations will be maintained for at least seven years if external sponsors require a later assessment. Furthermore, if the respondent is terminated or steps down from their position before completing the inquiry or investigation, the evaluation of the allegations will proceed.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento Can Ensure the Most Favorable Outcome

If you face accusations of research misconduct or other allegations from the ORI or a university, you may believe that you can handle it yourself. Yet, the complexities of the procedure can lead to potential missteps putting your academic career and future employment at risk. Your first step should be to contact an experienced attorney-advisor like Joseph D. Lento. Even if an ORI or university investigation is already underway, it is never too late to retain representation.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have represented countless clients in university and ORI settings. From the initial investigation stage to the disciplinary recommendations, their experience handling numerous cases just like this uniquely prepares them to ensure the most favorable outcome. Having the right representative with you during the inquiry process can make all the difference. Contact the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 to protect your reputation and future, or schedule a consultation online.