Roger Wong (fourth from left) is calling on the HKU Council to look into alleged data manipulation involving a senior chemistry professor. Photo: RTHK
A row over alleged data manipulation by a senior Hong Kong university chemistry professor bubbled on with a research associate who initially raised concern over the validity of her research now asking the governing council of the university to step in.
Professor Yang Dan was cleared by a HKU investigation committee, which looked into accusations that Yang and her team manipulated their research results which were published in a renowned science journal about two years ago.
One of her then-subordinates, Roger Wong, suspected that Yang's team had adjusted the apparatus used in the experiment to achieve the results as he could not replicate the same results. He then complained to the University's management in 2014.
HKU confirmed last week that an investigation committee has dismissed his complaint. But Wong said that he has learnt the committee's ruling contradicted with the views of the experts within the committee.
For her part, Yang accused Wong of being irresponsible and that his experiment lacked credibility – because he did not know how to use the apparatus.
But Wong said her statement was unfounded and he urged the university's Council to look into the matter.
Wong was backed by a council member, Dr Cheung Kei-chung, who said the council needs to find out how the university's investigation committee arrived at its ruling, and review its policy to protect whistle blowers.
http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1259121-20160509.htm
