By Stefan Morkis and Grant Smith

ST ANDREWS University is carrying out an investigation into allegations of research misconduct carried out by a member of staff while he worked for Dundee University.

It is understood to centre on alleged image manipulation in four papers published between 2005 and 2007.

The papers discussed research into cystic fibrosis which was carried out by a team led by Dr Anil Mehta—although he was completely exonerated of any wrongdoing when Dundee University concluded its own investigation earlier this year.

A spokesman for Dundee University said, “An investigation was carried out into an allegation of research misconduct.

“The investigation cleared all current members of staff at University of Dundee of any wrongdoing whatsoever.

“However, our understanding is that other proceedings are currently taking place at another university.

“We have no involvement in those proceedings and would not wish to comment further while the proceedings are under way.”

Its investigation did conclude, however, the deliberate fabrication of images had taken place.

A St Andrews University spokesman said, “The University of St Andrews can confirm that internal proceedings are under way in relation to an allegation of research misconduct.

“The proceedings relate to research carried out at the University of Dundee by an individual who subsequently took up a post at St Andrews.

“The integrity of research is of the utmost importance to the University of St Andrews.

“The university can make no further comment on this matter until proceedings are complete.”

Dr Mehta’s research investigated the relationship between three cancer-related enzymes that are associated with diabetes (NDPK), fat metabolism (AMPK) and cystic fibrosis (CFTR).

Enzymes are proteins produced in cells that help bring about various biochemical reactions and the research found a link between NDPK and AMPK that causes variations in fat metabolism.

The research also discovered the enzymes bind to a protein that causes cystic fibrosis.

In a letter written after the conclusion of Dundee University’s investigation, university secretary Dr David Duncan wrote, “The investigation found no case to answer against Dr Mehta or that he had been involved in the fabrication in any way.

“The co-authors who performed the preliminary experiments that led to the discovery of the kinase interaction, those who supplied kinase knockout transgenic mice and cell lines or those who performed electrophysiological experiments were not in any way implicated.”