ANN ARBOR—The University of Michigan has been conducting an investigation into admissions of data fabrication by a University graduate student who worked in the laboratory of Dr. Francis Collins at the National Institutes of Health. The student also worked in the lab of Dr. Collins at the U-M, prior to Dr. Collins’ move to NIH in 1993. Dr. Collins is a widely respected scientist who has done path-breaking research in the field of human genetics with far-reaching implications for the field and for society.

At this time the University is conducting an investigation of the graduate student’s actions and is committed to giving the graduate student a fair and impartial process.

The investigation is being conducted in accordance with the procedures established by the University to deal with allegations of academic misconduct and in cooperation with the Office of Research Integrity in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Michigan, like other research universities, recognizes that investigations of allegations of academic misconduct involve not only deliberations on the culpability of individuals but also on the impact of misconduct on the integrity of the scientific literature. Researchers build on published data and findings and rely on the honesty of those reports in the design and conduct of their own investigations.

The procedures established by the University have been designed to provide for fair and complete review of information related to allegations of lapses in academic integrity. The procedures also include provisions for the review of when and how interested parties should be notified of allegations and the results of the investigation.

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