Concerns over research integrity at Purdue University have led to the suspension of multiple animal research projects due to allegations of misconduct and falsified documentation. Internal complaints filed in late 2025 raised serious issues regarding the adherence to protocols in animal research, including the failure to maintain an aseptic environment, inadequate use of personal protective equipment, and the administration of unapproved drugs to laboratory animals.
According to documents obtained by animal rights organization Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) through a Freedom of Information Act request, the allegations prompted letters to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Michael Budkie, executive director of SAEN, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “They were not following protocol… and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee requires that the protocol is followed to the letter.” He further noted that the potential for these projects to contribute valuable scientific information had been severely diminished.
In October 2025, the research project titled “Examination of behavioral and neural outcomes associated with drugs of abuse and neurodegenerative diseases” was suspended. The suspension was attributed to failures in using personal protective equipment properly, maintaining a sterile laboratory environment, and implementing appropriate suturing techniques. Trevor Peters, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed the suspension but stated that no procedures were conducted outside of approved guidelines. “The matter was resolved promptly, and the protocol was reinstated without further concerns,” Peters said in an email.
Despite this resolution, a different experiment, “High-throughput deep tissue in vivo imaging,” was permanently suspended in December 2025 following a unanimous vote by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. This suspension was due to allegations of improperly housing laboratory mice, failing to euthanize a mouse with a non-healing wound, and using unauthorized drugs without veterinary consultation. The documents indicated that one lab member involved in this project faced an indefinite suspension for their actions related to the humane treatment of the animals.
The misconduct also reportedly included the falsification of records concerning the health of the animals. Budkie noted that the logs “appear to have been falsified” and that discrepancies in the recorded access times raised serious concerns about the actual treatment of the animals involved. The implications of such actions could threaten Purdue’s accreditation with the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.
Purdue’s investigation into these incidents falls under its Ethics Policy III.A.2, focusing on research misconduct. Should the NIH’s Federal Office of Research Integrity find individuals guilty of research misconduct, they risk being barred from federally funded research, a significant consequence given that many institutions rely on federal funding for a substantial portion of their research.
Budkie highlighted the severity of these findings, noting that SAEN receives approximately 1,000 lab complaints annually, with 50 to 100 deemed serious enough for suspension. Out of these, fewer than 10 typically involve allegations of document falsification. The letter sent to the NIH underscored the potential repercussions of these actions, stating, “If the falsification had been left unaddressed, it could have jeopardized Purdue’s accreditation status.”
In response to the suspensions, university officials indicated that remaining staff members not involved in the misconduct would be required to undergo retraining on IACUC policies. Although Peters reiterated Purdue’s commitment to responsible research and animal welfare, the chair of the IACUC did not respond to requests for comment.
For a university of Purdue’s size, the suspension of two protocols within a year is considered unusual, according to Budkie. He added that the ongoing investigation and the outcome of the NIH’s review could have lasting implications for those involved, further complicating their future opportunities in research. “Even if fired from their original institution for misconduct, that individual could still find it difficult to work in university research elsewhere,” he said.
Purdue University continues to assert its dedication to maintaining compliance with all animal care and use regulations while promoting transparency with oversight committees. The situation remains under close scrutiny as the investigations proceed.
