Universities must keep tabs on star profs too

Dutch universities at Tilburg and Groningen filed criminal charges on Monday against psychology professor Diederik Stapel, who is said to have fabricated the results of at least 30 research projects. The case has done lasting harm to the reputation of all those concerned, the conservative tabloid De Telegraf writes, and criticises the universities' inadequate supervision: "With Stapel's misdoings, trust in the entire university system has been betrayed. The reputation of the young academics working at his side is now severely damaged, as is that of the universities at Tilburg, Groningen and Amsterdam. ... But the universities must admit their errors too. Stapel benefited from a star status that for years made him invulnerable. The results of his research were too good to be true, and should have been suspect for that very reason. The investigating committee has ascertained that the necessary controls were lacking at all levels. By neglecting their duty the universities have put the basic principles of academia on the line."

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