Report on Accounting Irregularities at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases

Osaka University held a press conference on the unauthorized use of research funds at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases on Friday, November 22, 2011.

The university offers its sincere regrets on such accounting irregularities and apologizes to the nation and related institutions.

The outline of the report on this matter from the investigative committee and the statement from Osaka University President, HIRANO Toshio are as follows.

Outline of the Report on Accounting Irregularities at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University

1. The persons involved in accounting irregularities

• A , Specially appointed professor, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases
• B , Former Professor, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases

2. The amount of research fund allegedly illegally used: 11,658,936 yen

Balance in account: 5,025,738 yen

3. Our investigation has made clear the following:

• Fictitious sales slips worth 6,693,610 yen were created between Laboratory B and Company C and the money was deposited into an account from March 2003 to April 2006.
• Fictitious sales slips worth 4,965,326 yen were created between Laboratory B and Company D and the money was deposited into an account from March 2004 to April 2005.
• All goods purchased with the money from the deposit in these accounts were consumable supplies necessary for conducting research. The money deposited was not used for private purposes.

Statement from the President

An impartial investigation has revealed that a portion of research funds was fraudulently used at the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University.

Osaka University reported on the accounting irregularities at the Graduate School of Medicine on February 10, 2011. We sincerely regret a repeat of such accounting irregularities and apologize to the nation and related institutions.

Universities are center of scholarship and society asks that universities promote fundamental academic research as a creative intellectual activity. The university recognizes that unauthorized use of research funds damages the public's trust.

In order to prevent any further unauthorized use of research funds, we will punish those involved severely and strengthen staff awareness. We will make every efforts to win the trust of society and fulfill our missions.

President of Osaka University
HIRANO Toshio