Inquiry panel set up for fraud allegations

An external inquiry will be held to investigate complaints made against University of NSW immunologist and renal specialist Prof Bruce Hall.

Vice-chancellor Prof John Niland today announced the establishment of the inquiry to examine allegations of scientific fraud and misconduct against the former clinical director of medicine at Sydney's Liverpool Hospital.

The allegations were aired in April when researchers working under Hall accused him of misspending National Health and Medical Research Council funds.

It has been alleged that Hall inappropriately named his wife, Dr Suzanne Hodgkinson, as a co-inventor on a patent, mismanaged grant funds, incorrectly included and deleted names of individuals as co-authors on papers and engaged in bullying behaviour.

A senior scientist working in Hall's transplant laboratories also alleged Hall had transferred $46,000 research grant money from her research account without permission.

Under its terms of reference, the inquiry has been asked to investigate the allegations against Hall and advise whether he has been guilty of scientific misconduct or fraud, as defined by the guidelines of the NHMRC and the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee.

Selected to serve on the committee are Sydney University of Technology Chancellor Sir Gerard Brennan, University of Sydney Professor of Medicine John Chalmers, ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research director Prof Judith Whitworth and University of Oxford Regius Professor of Medicine Sir David Weatherall.

The inquiry members were selected by Niland, Sir Gustav Nossal and University of NSW Chancellor Dr John Yu.

Niland assured the university community the complaints levelled against Hall would be dealt with thoroughly and fairly.

"Members of the inquiry bring to the task a high level of expertise in legal and procedural areas, expertise in the scientific and medical areas, and experience and expertise in relation to research ethics," he said.

The inquiry will hold its initial meeting before the end of June and has been asked to report by the end of November this year.