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Verster defended his past academic practices and maintained that his disclosures met standard transparency requirements.
"I am a consultant for many companies and always include that in all my papers, even if it only involves a small role.
I informed the UU about my work as a consultant and the university approved it," he said.
Addressing why he used his academic affiliation in commercial papers, Verster noted that hangover research was integral to his university position.
"Hangover research is part of my academic activities," he said.
Verster confirmed that he went on sick leave on May 1 and subsequently suspended all professional operations, including his consultancy work.
This is not the first time Verster's relationship with corporate sponsors has drawn internal scrutiny.
Previous investigations by the university's integrity committee evaluated his studies on Red Bull, which had concluded that the energy drink improved driving performance and posed no unique health risks when combined with alcohol.
While the committee initially found no direct conflict of interest regarding the study results, it criticized Verster for receiving payments from Red Bull through his private firm.
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Investigative outlet Investico later reported that Verster co-authored at least 13 subsequent Red Bull-funded papers—all presenting favorable outcomes for the beverage brand—with direct personal payments occurring in two of those studies.
