Integrity at stake

THE MOST significant case on an issue of scientific integrity in recent times, that of AIDS researcher Robert Gallo, has yet to be settled. The Office of Scientific Integrity (OSI) of the National Institute of Health (NIH) cleared Gallo of misdemeanour early this year, (Down To Earth, July 31). Now, an NIH oversight subcommittee and the US Office of Scientific Integrity Review (OSIR) are studying a report prepared by the subcommittee, in which it is alleged that the OSI had overlooked important evidence against Gallo and constructed "its own arguments exculpatory to Gallo".

In another development, a technician who worked with virologist Mikulas Popovic, indicted by the OSI in the same case, has said some of the evidence from her laboratory records was never properly recorded. The OSIR, which is to submit its report by September, will continue its review independently.