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Dear colleagues,

The Ohio State University (OSU) recently announced the results of an investigation on academic ethics involving Dr. Ching-Shih Chen (陳慶士), former distinguished research fellow at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, finding him guilty of academic misconduct. The results of this high profile case concerning ethical conduct in academia was highly publicized and widely discussed in both Taiwan and abroad. It is with profound regret that I share with you this news.

In light of this, I would like to take the time to explain the measures that Academia Sinica has taken and the principles that we have followed in dealing with this matter. We also hope to take this opportunity to remind our colleagues once again that academic integrity and ethics are the cornerstones of research and must not be taken lightly. In regards to the case of Dr. Ching-Shih Chen, the following is a chronological description of the steps taken:

• Between July and August 2017, Dr. Ching-Shih Chen informed Academia Sinica that he was involved in an ongoing academic misconduct investigation conducted by the Ohio State University and expressed his wishes to resign from his position as director of the Institute of Biological Chemistry. After preliminarily looking into and understanding Dr. Chen’s case, Academia Sinica accepted his resignation. In the following months, several face-to-face meetings were held with Dr. Chen to further understand the situation, based on which Academia Sinica decided to hold our own investigation regarding Dr. Chen’s case. Our investigation, however, hinges on OSU’s investigation, which was ongoing at the time, as the papers and data in question were based on laboratory experiments conducted during Dr. Chen’s tenure at OSU, prior to his coming to Academia Sinica, and thus administered and governed by the regulations set by OSU. Regulations on handling investigations involving academic integrity at Academia Sinica stipulate that the subject of investigation should be provided an opportunity to state his/her case. In Dr. Chen’s case, since the original data and results are under the jurisdiction of OSU, an independent investigation cannot be conducted right away. At that time, the ongoing investigation initiated by the Ohio State University was close to reaching completion. After a detailed assessment based on the principle of mutual respect between academic institutions and to prevent the omission of pertinent evidence during investigation, Academia Sinica decided to wait for the results of OSU’s report before continuing its own investigation.
• In February 2018, Dr. Ching-Shih Chen applied for leave of absence without pay and temporarily transferred to the China Medical University. After the Ohio State University announced the result of its investigation on March 30, 2018, Dr. Chen immediately verbally tendered his resignation from his position as distinguished research fellow, which was approved. While the academic papers that Dr. Chen has been asked to withdraw following the OSU investigation were all published before his tenure at Academia Sinica, we fully understand the gravity, severity, and seriousness of the matter and its subsequent consequences and impacts. Dr. Chen’s resignation will not affect follow-up investigations that are to be conducted.
• Upon receiving the report published by Ohio State University, Academia Sinica immediately launched its investigation. Presently, the divisional ethics committee has already established an investigation team and will strictly observe set regulations and principles to uphold the values of fairness and justice. Furthermore, based on the circumstances, the committee will also examine Dr. Chen’s other research papers and on-going projects to explore and parse out any links with his papers that were withdrew due to academic misconduct.

Academic research requires continuous and long-term cultivation and the understanding that short-term gains and outcomes may not be possible. It also requires years of dedication and devotion as well as nights burning the midnight oil to garner research findings and breakthroughs. In recent years, the reputation of the academic community has been put to the test. Yet, the vast majority of researchers and scholars remain dedicated and committed to their research goals and visions, diligently and conscientiously carrying out their work. I hope that all of our colleagues will perennially remember their original aspiration and passion for pursuing research. Let us continue to play our part in safeguarding the basic values of academic research.

In closing, let me share with you once again what I mentioned in my letter to you in 2016: “Let us pursue breakthroughs in knowledge and innovations in science, enjoying the joy that comes with these achievements. Let us also never lose sight of the greater good and yield our academic conscience to fame and self-gain.”

Sincerely,
James C. Liao
President