The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has cancelled a $2.05 million research grant awarded to the University of Minnesota (U of M) following findings of research misconduct involving Dr. Sayan Biswas, an assistant professor in the College of Science and Engineering.
According to a letter from the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E) obtained by 5 INVESTIGATES, Dr. Biswas admitted to fabricating data and research results for a project intended to reduce emissions from fracking site “pipe flares.”
The federal agency’s decision is the latest blow to the university, which is already facing criticism over its handling of other academic misconduct cases, including plagiarism allegations that recently led to the resignation of Professor Rachel Hardeman.
Despite early warnings in 2023, university administrators failed to act swiftly, prompting the DOE to fault the institution’s internal investigative processes. ARPA-E highlighted “shortcomings” in how the university handled initial concerns, saying its governance structures may have enabled delays or concealment.
Dr. Biswas, whose annual salary is over $113,000, remained employed throughout the investigation and is currently on family/medical leave unrelated to the matter.
His attorney, Kurt Glaser, downplayed the allegations, stating Biswas used “simulated data” but failed to correctly identify it. “The physics are sound,” Glaser argued, noting that efforts are underway to potentially restart the project.
However, the DOE has placed the grant cancellation in a federal database for the next five years, a move that could jeopardize future funding opportunities for the university.
Prominent figures such as Professor Richard Painter, a U of M law professor and former ethics adviser to President George W. Bush, have raised alarm about what they call a “faculty governance system… structured to conceal misconduct.” Former U of M regent Michael Hsu went further, accusing the institution of fostering a “culture of noncompliance.”
In a brief response, the university stated it remains committed to research ethics and integrity and is reviewing its processes.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, university officials have largely remained silent, declining interview requests from multiple media outlets.
The controversy raises broader questions about academic accountability, oversight, and the potential risks to public trust and funding in university research.
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