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Anthropologist Resigns, Misconduct Found

Volume 13, No. 3, June 2005

An investigative panel at the University of Frankfurt concluded last February that the director of its Institute of Anthropology falsified data, plagiarized, and attempted to sell a collection of ape skulls owned by the university, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education (3/11/05).

Reiner Protsch von Zieten, a professor of anthropology, proclaimed his innocence, but resigned his position prior to the announcement of the findings. He said he had a right to sell the skulls.

Ulrich Brandt, chairman of the investigative panel, said colleagues questioned the data produced by Mr. Protsch von Zieten on many occasions over the years. “He always had an excuse,” said Mr. Brandt. “If people asked to see the data, he would say it had been stolen, or there had been a fire. And it was too much effort for people to follow up on. They didn’t realize he was doing it all the time.”

When the criminal investigation into the sale of the skull collection is completed, a university disciplinary proceeding may be held university officials said. Possible sanctions include loss of his state pension and the title of professor.

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