"Research Integrity Breach: Honesty Researcher Accused of Misconduct in Harvard Report"

Francesca Gino, a prominent honesty researcher and Harvard Business School professor, finds herself embroiled in a scandal of research misconduct. Unsealed documents reveal allegations of intentional falsification of data in multiple publications. The Harvard investigation, spanning over 1300 pages, points to Gino's involvement in research misconduct across several studies.

Despite Gino's objections, a judge allowed the release of the report amidst her $25 million lawsuit against Harvard, the school's dean, and the data sleuths who brought the allegations to light. The investigation sheds light on discrepancies between published data and Gino's records, leading to the retraction of three papers. Gino offered explanations, including the possibility of errors or data tampering by a collaborator with alleged motives for sabotage.

The investigatory panel dismissed Gino's explanations and found her arguments implausible, concluding that she engaged in multiple instances of research misconduct. The panel recommended unpaid leave and potential termination of her employment. Gino's lawyer challenges the investigation's validity, citing a lack of opportunity for her to dispute the allegations.

Gino's lawsuit accuses Harvard and the data sleuths of making false and defamatory statements, alleging gender bias in the investigation process. The ongoing legal battle involves a crowdfunding campaign to cover the data sleuths' legal expenses. Harvard and the data sleuths aim to dismiss the case in a forthcoming hearing.

The unfolding saga underscores the complex intersection of academic integrity, reputation, and gender dynamics in research. Gino's once-influential work now faces scrutiny and controversy, prompting reflections on ethics and accountability in academia.

Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/honesty-researcher-committed-research-misconduct-according-newly-unsealed-harvard