University investigation found prominent spider biologist fabricated, falsified data

McMaster University has finally released the results of its investigation into allegations of data fraud by behavior ecologist Jonathan Pruitt, finding that the once-widely celebrated scientist did engage in “fabrication and falsification.” The Canadian university announced the news in a statement today , after sharing it recently with coauthors on some of Pruitt’s now-retracted papers. McMaster told Science two years ago that its investigation, conducted by a Hearings Committee, was concluded, and that Pruitt was leaving the school after a settlement. But to the frustration of the ecology community, it did not at the time publicly detail any findings about misconduct. It now says the committee found that Pruitt “generally failed to meet the requirements expected of a tenured professor under the [university’s Research Integrity Policy] when conducting research.” “I can't believe [the university] is actually publicly saying this,” says Kate Laskowski, who coauthored three papers with Pruitt that were specifically addressed in McMaster’s statement today. “It’s a big relief they call it fabrication, they call it falsification. They didn't hedge their bets.” (Laskowski tweeted about the revelation yesterday and Retraction Watch was the first to report the school’s email.) Laskowski says she last heard from McMaster when they informed her in July 2022 that the school had settled with Pruitt to terminate his position. ...
Source: ScienceNOW - Category: Science Source Type: news