Plagiarism puts Monash v-c out of job

The vice-chancellor of one of the world's top universities was forced to quit last week after an investigation by The THES revealed that he had been a serial plagiarist.

Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia, has confirmed that its vice-chancellor, David Robinson, has left the university after six years by "mutual agreement".

The move was welcomed by both staff and student groups, and the university has promised to review its senior selection procedures.

The THES 's Whistleblowers column revealed on June 21 that Professor Robinson had admitted two cases of plagiarism in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

A further THES report on July 5 showed that the selection panel that appointed him vice-chancellor in 1996 was not aware of his past record.

Professor Robinson, who had four years left on his contract and may be able to claim a pay-off of about A$1 million (£350,000), was recalled from a promotional trip to London on July 9.