UNITED STATES

University to probe possible research integrity violations
A formal investigation has been launched by the University of Florida (UF) after an internal report detailed a culture of fear among faculty members claiming political influence on campus as well as instances of pressure to destroy and delay publication of COVID-19 research data, write Leyla Santiago and Alta Spells for CNN.Vice President of UF Research David Norton announced the investigation in an email to faculty and staff on the morning of Friday 10 December, according to the university. The email indicates the results of the investigation will be made public upon completion but did not give a timeline. “UF Research became aware of possible violations of the UF Policy on Research Integrity,” Norton wrote in an email, saying the possible violation relates “to the reported destruction of COVID-19 research data at UF”.
The allegations were detailed in the faculty senate report, released on Monday 6 December. The report was the result of a three-week investigation looking into academic freedom at the university after three full-time professors were barred from testifying as paid experts in a lawsuit brought against the state that dealt with voting rights. The university later reversed its decision after facing intense public criticism.
Full report on the CNN site