Researcher accused of scientific misconduct
Following an extensive investigation, Depak Das, a professor in the Department of Surgery and director of the Cardiovascular Research Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center, has been accused of serious scientific misconduct. UConn has informed 11 scientific journals about the investigation.
Das had numerous publications on resveratrol and other nutrition-related cardiovascular subjects. According to an online biography, he was a founding editor and editor-in chief of the journal Antioxidant and Redox Signaling, and also served as associate editor of the American Journal of Physiology: Heat and Circulatory Physiology and consulting editor of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
The University said the investigation had been sparked by an anonymous allegation of research irregularities in 2008, resulting in a 60,000 page report that found Das guilty of 145 counts of fabrication and falsification of data. UConn said it worked closely with the US Office of Research Integrity during the investigation. UConn is now preparing to dismiss Das.
“While we are deeply disappointed by the flagrant disregard for the University's Code of Conduct, we are pleased the oversight systems in place were effective and worked as intended,” said Philip Austin, interim vice president for health affairs. “We are grateful that an individual chose to do the right thing by alerting the appropriate authorities. Our findings were the result of an exhaustive investigation that, by its very nature, required considerable time to complete.”
Retraction Watch reported further details about Das, including the following:
Das appears to have had a relationship with a Las Vegas reservatrol maker called Longvinex. The company has promoted his research, and Das also shows up in a video touting the nutrient as the next asprin. The informercial is guided by an investigative reporter named Totheroh, who is affiliated with the Broadcasting Network.