LJMU reviews its conferral of professorships

Liverpool John Moores University is reviewing its procedures for conferring professorships following an investigation into academic fraud by Whistleblowers.

The discovery earlier this month that Derek Gadsdon, professor of cell pathology at LJMU, falsified his research record led last week to his resignation and the removal of his professorship. Whistleblowers had discovered that Professor Gadsdon had claimed authorship of 98 publications and refereed articles, but a search revealed only ten publications in the past 20 years. He had also claimed authorship of fictional refereed journal articles.

Vice-chancellor Peter Toyne said that "a full and detailed analysis of the implications of the case is now under way". Under procedures for conferring professorships written by Professor Toyne in 1991, a seven-strong conferment panel includes two external assessors, and referees are sought independently.

An LJMU spokeswoman said formal procedures have been followed in all previous appointments, but "in light of recent events, internal procedures are being reviewed".