One of Japan's leading molecular biologists has been asked to retract more than 40 scientific papers written by his research team after a University of Tokyo probe found that the former professor had used manipulated data in writing the papers.
The university set up a committee to look into 165 theses written by a group headed by Shigeaki Kato, former professor at its Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, after receiving a tip from an outside whistleblower. The papers covered topics such as bone formation and hormone activity, Japanese media reported on Friday.
The investigation found images of experiment results were manipulated in at least 28 papers to make it appear several tests had been carried out. Manipulation is suspected in 15 other papers also.
Kato said he accepted the university's findings. He said he left the handling of images to the staff at his lab but was taking the responsibility for failing to notice the falsifications.
He has received about $30 million in research funding from Japan's Education Ministry and other government organizations, the report said.
by RTT Staff Writer
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