China's Tongji University punishes top cancer researcher Wang Ping for misconduct

Shanghai's Tongji University has taken decisive action against Professor Wang Ping, a prominent figure in cancer research, following a rigorous investigation into academic misconduct. The university confirmed that a significant study published in the prestigious journal Nature in 2025 contained flawed data, prompting disciplinary measures against Wang, who served as the dean of the School of Life Sciences and Technology.

The investigation found that 14 out of 15 figures in the study, which focused on the effects of valine deprivation on cancer cells, exhibited problematic data. Specific issues included the failure to 'objectively count' cells, the use of duplicated image data, and non-standard recording of experimental measurements. While the primary responsibility for data collection and processing lay with the paper's first author, Jin Jiali, the university held Wang accountable for failing to provide adequate supervision and ensure the integrity of the research.

As a consequence of this misconduct, Wang Ping has been removed from her deanship, demoted by two professional ranks, and will be ineligible for promotions, pay raises, research funding, or awards for the next 24 months. Jin Jiali has been terminated from her position. Tongji University stated that it intends to use this case as a crucial learning opportunity to reinforce research integrity standards among its staff and students, fostering a more robust and trustworthy academic environment. This action underscores the university's commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in scientific research.

“

Wang failed to properly supervise the experimental data and the quality of the paper, and did not fulfil the responsibilities of a corresponding author in ensuring data authenticity and reproducibility