The University of Connecticut (UConn) announced Jan. 11 that it was in the process dismissing its director of cardiovascular research, Dipak K. Das, PhD, after concluding that he falsified data in published studies.

Based on an internal investigation, the university claimed that Das, a professor of surgery and director of the Cardiovascular Research Center in UConn’s Health Center in Storrs, fabricated and falsified data on research that included studies on resveratrol, a compound found in red wine that may have a cardioprotective effect. The three-year investigation found 145 instances of data fabrication, manipulation and falsification over seven years.

University officials said they sent letters to 11 scientific journals alerting them of their findings. Their investigation was prompted by an anonymous tip in 2008 that alleged research irregularities in Das' lab. No one other than Das has yet to be charged, according to the university.

The Associated Press reported that Das was not considered a leader in the field of resveratrol research.

Das joined UConn in 1984 and received tenure in 1993.