Walter Pierpaoli, MD, Ph.D., protesting the charges against Dr. Kay
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Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, July 15, 1998
Dear Professor Gignac: I have been informed in detail by Prof. Marguerite M.B. Kay and by her lawyer of the incredible and sordid story related to the accusations that she has accepted for publication data manipulated by a technician although she was aware that the results had been selected by dropping points which did not fit the proposition of Prof. Kay. I do not think you need the details from me. I am deeply convinced, thanks to my 35-year experience in basic laboratory and medical research, by my long-lasting and intense scientific relationship to Marguerite Kay, by the striking evidence of her pioneering work and by her extraordinary achievements, which would be worth several Nobel prizes, that all [of] what has been exposed to me as "scientific misconduct" are simply completely negligible details and can be considered as "honest error" in any laboratory, especially in this case where this "misconduct" did not minimally change the value of the findings, making them acceptable to the scientific community only because they had been manipulated. They are certainly not the result of nefarious, immoral behaviour. l do believe the acrimonious and mean allegations of scientific misconduct against Marguerite Kay are false to the point to be grotesque and ridiculous! This is certainly a well orchestrated maneuver which has nothing to do with science and deserves the most severe condemnation of the authors and promoters, which are easily identifiable. The plot against Prof. Kay must be dismantled and the culprits punished. She must be fully restored to her position and rank and financially compensated for the economic loss. It is clear to me that the plot again Prof. Kay has the double aim of discrediting her scientifically at a time of her life when her amazing personal discoveries are emerging, and of an obvious economic gain from many sides. I am dismayed by what is happening at the University of Arizona because these events will discredit, not Prof. Kay, but the whole body of the University. They must be amply reported to the scientific community and to the public everywhere. On my side I see that the allegations against Prof. Kay are false and motivated by greed and envy. I will do all what l can to support Prof. Kay and her fight against scientific jealousy and mean academic competition. No possibility exists that Prof. Kay could be blackmailed and accept any agreement which would in any way weaken her personal scientific and moral image. I will be on her side all the way to the end of this iniquitous story. Her research must continue for the benefit of the whole [of] humanity. With my thanks for your prompt attention and my best regards, Sincerely Yours, Walter Pierpaoli, MD, Ph.D. Director of Research, JCIBR President, INTERBION Foundation For Basic Biomedical Research Riva San Vitale, Switzerland |
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