Can this be
justified when the fact-fabrication has been revealed?
Dr
Yang Pan-Chyr makes his words definitely clear on the website of National
Taiwan University (his words in blue):
That the etymology
of the word "university" bespeaks of a "unified change," a
dogma that I firmly believe NTU has invariably observed. Owing to the staunch
diligence of all our students, faculty, and staff, "National Taiwan
University," in QS Intelligence Unit's research director Ben Swart words,
"has already entered the ranks of the world's leading universities."
Indeed,
QS World University Rankings has showed the results about the ranking of National
Taiwan University in 2016. It revealed National Taiwan University made itself
become the 68th at the world's top 100 universities (Central News
Agency, September 6.)
I am certain we are
all validated by such high praise. We shall continue to uphold our fundamental
responsibilities to constantly seek the advancement of academics and the
development of professional talents for the nation. Furthermore, we must also
continue to shoulder the expectations and demands of society, which calls for
impeccable moral standards and scrupulous self-discipline. I sincerely hope that,
other than pursuing academic excellence, NTU will act as a guiding beacon of
virtue for the nation and society.
The
scandals about the fact-fabrication papers published in international
journals have gotten headlines recently because of the research team, the
leader of which is Guo Mingliang, the Vice President of Kaohsiung Medical University.
He counterfeited data and published 11 papers, four of which unfortunately got
one of co-authors, Yang Pan-Chyr, the president of National Taiwan University. That
is too bad to forge fake data in the research papers.
As
the president of the best national university, is the above all about what he
declared impeccable moral standards and scrupulous self-discipline? Isn’t
it true that authors, misconducting fake data, of the published journals are
threatening the reputation of not only Taiwan University but the system of
higher education and medical research in Taiwan beyond question?
With the tide of
globalization continuing to impact the world, the present era provides ideal
opportunities for NTU's faculty and students to showcase their multifarious
talents to the international community. One by one, they have been presenting
their exceptional academic research achievements on the global stage…Each of
these breakthroughs has altered the international scientific or medical landscape.
The assiduous effort of our academic colleagues is axiomatically evident in the
monumental research they have produced across the entire spectrum of all
academic fields.
The reason why this event of medical science
misconduct has hit the headlines so hard is that the researchers, who are
professors with a PhD, are very well of how to hold a moral high ground when it
comes to research for the truth about nature. Aren’t they supposed to exclude
human bias while collecting data? Why did they make the huge mistakes and more
than once? Fame is the thirst for them, isn’t it?
In addition to an
exceptional academic environment, NTU also provides students with the optimal
educational platform. Our mission in education is to cultivate leaders in the
Asia-Pacific region, and we have designed a series of courses for the specific
purpose of initiating students into the international community. The Creativity
and Entrepreneurship Program develops students' teamwork and problem-solving
skills while instigating the ability to demonstrate personal aptitudes for any
field or business beyond graduation.
Taiwan
University Graduate Student Association and other student groups came to an
agreement last night on 20th that the outcomes from the scandals have
damaged the great reputation of National Taiwan University, which was built for many decades with endless efforts.
The conclusion was also mentioned that the investigation on this should be thoroughly conducted by an independent investigation committee. Besides, any conflict of interest should be avoided (Hong, Shin-tsu, Untied Daily News, November 21, 2016). How could they believe the truth might come out from what has been hidden even digging deep enough, but the president doesn’t step down yet?
As NTU president, I
fully expect myself and the administrative staff to devote our conscientious
efforts to serve NTU, and, with the concerted enterprise of all our students
and faculty, to define and refine this temple of learning, research, and
progress into a truly inspirational university.
Has he fully devoted his
conscientious
efforts to serve NTU, and, with the concerted enterprise of all his students and
faculty, to define and refine this temple of learning, research, and progress
into a truly inspirational university? Shouldn’t he take responsibilities for whatever he’s
done to the school?
Education
Minister Pan Wenzhong gave his comment on this event -- that Yang Pan-Chyr might
be under thoroughly careful examination if he has violated academic ethics. He also
gave his opinion about it. It is that clarification of the scandals should tell the truth after a square and fair investigation has done its job, and there won’t be
an issue of power but responsibility.
In
addition to that, Pan Wenzhong stressed that now National Taiwan
University has organized a Committee to do what needs to be done. Don’t you
question who at National Taiwan University is able to authorize one to organize this committee?
He
stressed that the Ministry of Education is cautious about the matter. Academic research needs to be honest, and
will ask National Taiwan University to probe into it objectively and
carefully. According to the seriousness of this event, there will be an inspection followed by an appropriate way to deal with the findings (Hong Xinci, United Daily News,
November 21, 2016).
Our culture is deeply
steeped in the Confucian ideal of benevolent love, thus preserving the
invaluable traditions of ethnic-Chinese society… Forging NTU into "the
portal through which international society appreciates ethnic-Chinese culture
and East Asia" continues to be the obstinate aspiration of our
indefatigable pursuit.
It’s
said and believed that the Chinese or Taiwanese, if you prefer to say,
political realm or even academic domain is teeming with counterfeit culture,
don’t you agree with? Another question is Yang Pan-Chyr defends himself with his
endeavors as only a co-author. Does a co-author only enjoy the credit for
publication offered by others without a second thought or giving an oblivious
look at?
Wu Si-yao, a legislator, pointed out that all these do
tell the common habits formed with some teachers at higher education level and it is of importance to demand a quick and impartial investigation to find out the facts. She also remarked that Yang Pan-Chyr as the president
of National Taiwan University should be very aware of the expectation of others and
the codes of morals. What has happened can possibly offer something to alter Taiwan's
academic ethics (Zhang Jin-hong, United
Daily News, November 21, 2016).
What if they are caught? Don’t worry! It’s not a big deal they will only be suspended one or two years from applying the funds or grants, and they can still keep their teaching job without awkwardness or restlessness!!! How do they grade their students if their students cheat you might wonder?
On his curriculum vitae, Pan-Cheer
Yang has won such beautiful honors and accomplished the below:
Honors:
Distinguished Teacher Award, National Taiwan University, 1999
Academic Award, Ministry of Education, ROC, 2002
Academician, Academia Sinica, 2006
Distinguished Professor, National Taiwan University, 2006
National Chair Professor, Ministry of Education, Taiwan ROC, 2007
Academician ,The Academy of Sciences for the Developing World, 2008
(http://www.genomics.sinica.edu.tw/index.php/tw/yang-pan-chyr-)
Journal Reviewer and Editor
Editor-in-Chief
MicroRNA(2011~Present)
Lung Cancer: Targets and
Therapy(2012~Present)
Academic Editor
PLoS One (2010~Present)
Editorial Board
J Clinical Oncology (2008~Present)
Carcinogenesis (2007~Present)
Am J Respir Cell Mol Bio (2007~Present)
J Formosan Med Assoc (2005~2010)
The International J of Tuberculosis and
Lung Disease (2007~ Present)
European Respiratory Journal
(2012~Present)
Journal of Thoracic Oncology (2012~Present)
Journal Reviewers
Journal
of Clinical Investigation, EMBO-Molecular Medicine, British Med J, Oncogene,
Cancer Res, Clinical Cancer Res, Hepatology, Am J Respir Crit Care Med,
Critical Care Medicine, Clinical Infectious Diseases, BMC Cancer, Cancer
Immunology Immunotherapy, Molecular Carcinogenesis, Cancer, Int J Cancer,
Chest, Respiratory Research, J Thoracic Oncol, Lung Cancer
(parts collected from his curriculum
vitae)
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