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NOS News•today, 21:11
A professor at Wageningen University & Research (WUR) has been penalized for years of incorrectly naming a Saudi university as his main employer in publications. He mentioned King Saud University as his first employer, while he was employed by the university in Wageningen.
Vincenzo Fogliano is banned from leading his research and teaching group for two years. He stays on as a regular professor, but is fired if he makes another mistake.
The professor has not personally enriched himself in exchange for the sham construction. In total, the university received 146,000 euros from King Saud University. That money was used by a PhD candidate for research into food quality and composition.
Several scientists approached
Research by the university in Wageningen has shown that at least six Wageningen scientists have been approached by Saudi universities to change their primary employer for a fee. According to the university, only Fogliano accepted that offer. By attracting scientists, Saudi Arabia was able to rise in prestigious scientific rankings. That in turn would improve the prestige of the Saudi regime.
The professor of food technologies previously admitted to de Volkskrant that he listed King Saud University (KSU) as his main employer after a deal with the Saudi institution. In addition, he had to carry out a research project with the KSU. “I know it is a gray area, on the edge, and I understand that there are colleagues who would rather not do it,” he previously told the newspaper. “But much worse things happen in academia.”
‘Disappointed’
Rector Magnificus Arthur Mol of WUR says he is “shocked” and “disappointed”, Omroep Gelderland quotes. “Fogliano was warned in 2018 about this kind of transaction. He has nevertheless adjusted his affiliation. He acted incorrectly and thus damaged the integrity of science at Wageningen University & Research. This cannot go without consequences,” says Mol in a statement .
Scientists outside the Netherlands also accepted the offer of the Saudi university. A Spanish professor was suspended for thirteen years as a punishment.
