Published: 28-01-2015 09:33 | Updated: 08-10-2015 16:15

Investigations into suspected irregularities

Two cases of suspected scientific misconduct involving Paolo Macchiarini, surgeon and visiting researcher at Karolinska Institutet, are now under investigation.

In one of the cases, the vice-chancellor has tasked an external expert to issue a statement on the matter, which although expected in mid-February, could be delayed a few weeks given the volume of material. The statement will be passed to the vice chancellor, who will then announce his decision on the matter.

For the second of the two cases involving Professor Macchiarini, the vice-chancellor has requested a pronouncement from Karolinska Institutet’s Ethics Council. This too is expected in February and will also be submitted to the vice-chancellor.

The Ethics Council has also been asked by the vice-chancellor to issue a statement on a report against Dr Karl-Henrik Grinnemo, who is affiliated to Karolinska Institutet and who is one of the four doctors behind the allegations against Professor Macchiarini. This third case concerns suspected irregularities relating to a grant application that were reported by a colleague of Professor Macchiarini. The Ethics Council’s statement is expected within the coming few weeks.

The Higher Education Ordinance requires an institute to investigate suspected scientific misconduct should it receive a report of such. According to Karolinska Institutet’s regulations, it is the duty of the vice-chancellor to investigate a report of this kind and decide on it either by passing it on without further action, or, if misconduct is confirmed, by taking appropriate action.

Karolinska Institutet does not wish to anticipate the outcome of these investigations and will pass no comment on them until they have been concluded.

Some press reports on these cases:

New York Times: "Leading Surgeon Is Accused of Misconduct in Experimental Transplant Operations".

Nature: "Investigations launched into artificial tracheas".