Science fraudster shows independent research watchdog a necessity
At core is this: integrity and trust. The Age revealed that while Smyth was working at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, he faced inquiries into falsifying research data. A preliminary investigation found he had a case to answer based on claims of falsified data. That prompted a second probe by the University of Melbourne, which cleared him.
Smyth left Peter Mac in 2013 after being hired by leading research institute QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane in 2012. At QIMR, members of his lab team raised concerns about his practices.
He was investigated twice, secretly, and no problems were detected. Whistleblowers went looking elsewhere for help. They approached the Office of the Chief Scientist and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), which oversees research integrity. The whistleblowers were referred back to QIMR. Then, finally, four years ago, amid the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, an external independent investigation for the institute found research misconduct by Smyth. He left.
This circuitous route of investigation is unacceptable, as is the fact that the report has never been released.
The Age 's reports have shown an unhealthy nexus between taxpayer funding for institutions, self-interest and a system ill-equipped to manage complaints.
Smyth was protected, it appeared to those complaining, partly because he was a cash cow, having attracted more than $42 million in taxpayer funding for his projects over his career. A staff member at QIMR said of Smyth's work practices: 'Mark was bringing money to the institute, so the institute protected Mark.'
Who then protects the integrity of the science?
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