McMaster University has placed a professor accused of academic fraud paid leave.
The university confirmed that it has completed an investigation after “a number of concerns” were raised about Jonathan Pruitt, a behavioral ecologist and holder of a prestigious Canada 150 research chair. Pruitt has been accused of tampering with research data and has seen the least three academic research articles retracted by scientific journals.
The university did not comment on the nature of the complaints, but said they were of “a very serious matter” and were investigated “through university policies, including the McMaster Research Integrity Policy.”
The paid leave was imposed last week.
The Spectator has reached out to Pruitt, but has yet to receive a response.
Meanwhile, it also appears that Pruitt’s doctoral thesis has been withdrawn.
A note on the Knoxville website of the University of Tennessee states that his doctoral thesis – Sociality in the Spider Anelosimus studiosus: Behavioral Correlates and Adaptive Consequences – has been “retired. “Pruitt completed his graduate studies at the school.
The university, however, did not confirm that the dissertation was withdrawn.
“The University of Tennessee is committed to integrity in all of its research efforts, including student work,” spokeswoman Tyra Haag said in an email. “The university is prohibited from releasing student information, including the presence or absence of an investigation integrity of the investigation, based on FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act).”
McMaster said he is aware of the note that his article has been withdrawn.
McMaster declined to discuss the findings of his investigation, saying the process to determine next steps is still ongoing.
McMaster spokesman Wade Hemsworth said Pruitt students “are being notified and supported during the transition to a new instructor” who could be in place as soon as this week.
More to come …
Katrina Clarke is a reporter for The Spectator who lives in Hamilton. Contact her by email: [email protected]
Reference-www.thestar.com