Utrecht University has launched a formal investigation into the scientific culture and quality management of its Pharmacology research group.
The probe follows investigative journalism reports that uncovered undisclosed corporate funding involving associate professor Joris Verster.
Reports published by Investico, De Groene Amsterdammer, Trouw, and international media revealed that Verster received direct payments from energy drink maker Red Bull and US pharmaceutical firm Sen-Jam Pharmaceuticals through his private company.
The research was attributed to Utrecht University.
According to the investigation, between 2010 and 2022, Verster authored 28 publications on energy drinks, 17 of which were funded by Red Bull.
Most of these studies concluded positive outcomes for the corporate sponsors, including findings that mixing energy drinks with alcohol resulted in lower overall alcohol consumption.
Internal Concerns and Past Findings
Internal documents from a hidden 2013 university integrity committee report revealed that Verster drew conclusions unsupported by data and presented simple correlations as causal relationships.
Additionally, Boston University professor Jonathan Howland withdrew from replicating Verster's energy drink study after discovering the questionnaire design was biased to underestimate alcohol consumption.
Utrecht University responded by noting that the findings raised serious internal questions, particularly regarding undisclosed outside activities and financial transparency.
"Questions have also been raised on our end," said Alan Hanjalic, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University.
Hanjalic emphasized that the institution would review its internal compliance mechanisms to ensure proper oversight of faculty research funding.
"We want to conduct a critical investigation into the scientific culture and scientific quality policy in the relevant research group," said Hanjalic.
The dean outlined the specific areas under review by a joint internal and external committee.
"We are investigating whether sufficient attention was paid to existing internal procedures intended to guarantee a healthy scientific culture and research quality, such as handling side activities, funding transparency, and discussing potential conflicts of interest," said Hanjalic.
In response to the report, Verster defended his industry relationships and academic affiliations.
"Hangover research is part of my academic activities," said Verster, asserting that he maintained proper boundaries between his institutional duties and commercial ventures.
"I can properly separate my work at Utrecht University from my other activities," he said.
Regarding the controversy surrounding his study questionnaires, Verster defended keeping the methodology unchanged despite critique from Boston University.
"I did not want to adjust the questionnaire because I wanted to compare the results across different countries, and that can only be done if the exact same questionnaire is used," said Verster.
Addressing the 2013 integrity panel's findings at the time, university leadership previously downplayed concerns over corporate influence.
"Our researchers have done nothing improper," said Bert van der Zwaan, former Rector Magnificus of Utrecht University.
The investigation into the Pharmacology group is being conducted by a specialized committee comprising both internal and external members.
Potential disciplinary actions have been withheld due to privacy regulations.
