In 2019 heeft het college voor Promoties van Wageningen University (CvP) een doctorsgraad ingetrokken. Daartegen werd beroep ingesteld, maar dat heeft de rechter medio april 2023 verworpen. De voormalige promovendus kan nog in hoger beroep tegen de rechterlijke uitspraak.
Rector Magnificus and chairman of the CvP Arthur Mol explains why the degree has been withdrawn: "If we award a doctorate, we must be able to ensure that scientific integrity is guaranteed. That is not the case in this thesis. It turns out that data has been fabricated, falsified and citations have been distorted. That is why, after extensive research, the degree has been withdrawn."
Process
The Scientific Integrity Committee of Wageningen University stated in its advice in 2018 that a complaint about manipulation of research data in the thesis was well-founded and that there was therefore a violation of scientific integrity. The National Body for Scientific Integrity (LOWI) confirmed this in 2019. The Academic Board of Wageningen University (CvP) then decided to withdraw the previously awarded doctorate. The appeal lodged against this decision was considered unfounded by the CvP. The former PhD candidate then went to court. The court's three-judge chamber confirmed in mid-April 2023 that the withdrawal of the degree is justified by the seriousness of the violation of scientific integrity and the diligence of the complaint procedures.
Consequences of the ruling
Rector Arthur Mol responds: "The issue has been thoroughly investigated by several independent committees that always came to the same conclusion. This court decision is important for universities. One of the main points of contention in this case was whether an Academic Board has the authority to withdraw a doctoral degree. The court now rules that this is possible under certain circumstances, if a serious violation of scientific integrity in the thesis comes to light after the degree has been awarded."
Wageningen University has since withdrawn the thesis. The editors of the scientific journals will be asked to withdraw the associated articles. The university will repay the received promotion premium to the ministry. For privacy reasons, WUR will not disclose the identity of those involved.
