NOT-OD-11-024: Findings of Misconduct in Science

Findings of Misconduct in Science

Notice Number: NOT-OD-11-024

Key Dates
Release Date: December 1, 2010

Issued by
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Purpose

Notice is hereby given that the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) has taken final action in the following case:

Bengu Sezen, Ph.D., Columbia University: Based on the findings of an investigation by Columbia University (CU) and additional analysis conducted by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) during its oversight review, ORI found that Bengu Sezen, former graduate student, Department of Chemistry, CU, engaged in misconduct in science in research funded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant R01 GM60326.

Specifically, ORI made twenty-one (21) findings of scientific misconduct against Dr. Sezen based on evidence that she knowingly and intentionally falsified and fabricated, and in one instance plagiarized, data reported in three (3) papers1 and her doctoral thesis.

The following administrative actions have been implemented for a period of five (5) years, beginning on November 4, 2010:

(1) Dr. Sezen is debarred from eligibility for any contracting or subcontracting with any agency of the United States Government and from eligibility or involvement in nonprocurement programs of the United States Government, referred to as ``covered transactions,' pursuant to HHS' Implementation of OMB Guidelines to Agencies on Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (2 CFR 376 et seq.); and

(2) Dr. Sezen is prohibited from serving in any advisory capacity to the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), including but not limited to service on any PHS advisory committee, board, and/or peer review committee, or as a consultant.

Inquiries

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Director
Division of Investigative Oversight
Office of Research Integrity
1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 750
Rockville, MD 20852.
(240) 453-8800

1Sezen, B., Franz, R., & Sames, D. ``C-C bond formation via C-H bond activations: Catalytic arylation and alkenation of alkane segments.' J. Am. Chem. Soc. 124:13372-13373, 2002. Retracted in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128:8364, 2006.

Sezen, B. & Sames, D. ``Oxidative C-arylation of free (NH)--heterocycles via direct (sp3) C-H bond functionalization.' J. Am. Chem. Soc. 126:13244-13246, 2004. Retracted in J. Am. Chem. Soc. 128:3102, 2006.

Sezen, B. & Sames, D. ``Selective and catalytic arylation of N-phenylpryrrolidine: sp3 C-H bond functionalization in the absence of a directing group.' J. Am. Chem. Soc. 127:5284-5285, 2005. Retracted in J. Am. Chem Soc. 128:3102, 2006.