[Mitch]

An investigation into chemistry research at the University of Texas, Austin, has concluded that scientific misconduct occurred. The finding casts doubt on several research papers in the field of polymer mechanochemistry, where chemists use mechanical force rather than light or heat to make and break bonds.

Questions about research from Christopher W. Bielawski’s lab at UT Austin were raised earlier this year when the journal Science published an editorial expression of concern over a high-profile 2011 paper from his group (DOI: 10.1126/science.1207934; C&EN, June 30, page 7).

Rest of story here: Texas Student Admits To Falsifying Data

[curiouscat]

Today' linked story (" Texas Student Admits To Falsifying Data") has this quote:

"University officials say federal privacy laws prohibit them from divulging any further information, such as the identity of the student. "

The first time I'm hearing that they couldn't disclose the name of who did the cheating. Anyone knows what the privacy laws are on such matters?

[Mitch]

The first time I'm hearing that they couldn't disclose the name of who did the cheating. Anyone knows what the privacy laws are on such matters?

I don't think it is that uncommon. If they gave out her name, it will be a lawsuit just waiting to happen. Most people try to keep things from getting to the court system.

[Corribus]

You can pretty much figure out who it is just looking at manuscript authors anyway...

[Yggdrasil]

If UT Austin is unwilling to release the results of their internal investigation, one could probably obtain the information through a FIOA request (since UT Austin is a public university).

[curiouscat]

If UT Austin is unwilling to release the results of their internal investigation, one could probably obtain the information through a FIOA request (since UT Austin is a public university).

I think some of the student privacy act stuff overrides FOIA.

[Mitch]

Although some states have FOIA laws. I'm unsure what Texas has on the books in that regards.

[Yggdrasil]

I think some of the student privacy act stuff overrides FOIA.

The Chembark blog and C&EN were able to find details about a scientific misconduct case at Columbia University through a FOIA request, although Chembark notes in the blog post that many names were redacted from the report.  In that case, the investigation was done by the federal government (which likely facilitated getting the information via FOIA request), so Mitch is correct that the availability of information from UT's internal investigation would depend on Texas's specific laws.

[curiouscat]

I think FERPA is the law that impacts these situations. Very little information about a student can be released to anyone without the student's explicit written consent (I think).

I wonder what happens when FERPA limitations clash with FOIA claims. My guess, & I'm no lawyer,  is that FERPA always wins, & ergo the information remains hidden. Though that part of law seems very gray and in a state of flux.