Molecular biology (nuclear receptors)
Shigeaki Kato: University of Tokyo bioscience lab papers, 2012 to 2014
University of Tokyo, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences
Misconduct found Resigned from the University of Tokyo in 2012, and university investigations reported in 2013 and 2014 that papers from his lab contained falsified images and that he masterminded their concealment, which he denied.1,3,4
Papers
| Paper | Action | Date | Reason stated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papers from his former laboratory, 33 retracted by December 2014 Multiple journals, https://retractionwatch.com/2014/12/02/shigeaki-kato-up-to-33-retractions-with-five-papers-cited-a-total-of-450-times/2,3,4 | Retracted | 2013 to 2014 | An interim university report reviewed 165 papers from 1996 to 2011 and said at least 43 should be retracted, according to The Japan Times and The Scientist. Retraction Watch counted 33 retractions by December 2014, with notices saying a University of Tokyo investigation found image aberrations that required retraction. |
Investigations
- University of Tokyo interim report, July 2013Found that at least 43 of 165 papers he supervised should be retracted, describing falsification and fabrication including a reversed image presented as a different one, according to The Japan Times.3,2
- University of Tokyo investigation, August 2014Could not verify whether Kato and three other former lab members tampered with data themselves, but concluded they helped conceal image data falsification in 5 of 51 papers released between 1996 and 2011, and that Kato masterminded the cover-up, according to The Japan Times.1
Response
He said I neither ordered nor tolerated such misconduct, while accepting responsibility for the lab environment (The Japan Times).1
Sources
- The Japan Times, Four Tokyo Univ. researchers involved in cover-up of dubious papers (1 August 2014)
- The Scientist, More retractions for Tokyo scientist? (July 2013)
- The Japan Times, University of Tokyo bioscience lab papers found to contain fabrications (25 July 2013)
- Retraction Watch, Shigeaki Kato up to 33 retractions, with five papers cited a total of 450 times (2 December 2014)