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Research Case Continues to Take a Toll
The [Lafayette, Indiana] Journal & Courier

Saturday, December 5, 2009

The Office of Naval Research debarred Purdue University professor Rusi Taleyarkhan, stripping him of funding until September 2011.

It is the latest act in a six-year drama played out in West Lafayette.

Taleyarkhan published papers in 2003 claiming he had developed bubble fusion -- a technique to create energy with the use of ultrasonic vibrations to manipulate liquids.

Science requires that experiment results be duplicated by others. The results published in Taleyarkhan's papers have not been reproduced independently. Taleyarkhan and his supporters said they were able to reproduce the results.

The ensuing controversy drew the attention of a congressman and more than one call for an investigation.

Well-meaning research often doesn't pan out. That's what science is.

The university conducted two investigations into Taleyarkhan's bubble fusion papers and projects. The first investigation didn't find any faults. But a second investigation -- conducted under pressure from Congress -- found two incidents of misconduct.

As a result of the second investigation, Purdue officials downgraded Taleyarkhan's teaching status with the university. The same investigation led the Navy to bar Taleyarkhan from receiving research funds.

It's understandable that Taleyarkhan would forcefully defend his professional reputation and his research from allegations of misconduct.

It's also understandable that Purdue and congressional overseers would take allegations of misconduct seriously.

Taleyarkhan and his bubble fusion claims will continue to receive controversial scrutiny.

That's as it should be. Without a respected research program, Purdue's nuclear engineering department cannot attract or sustain the faculty or search needed to build a world-class reputation.

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