News

ISPPD Statement following ISPPD-14

To Attendees of ISPPD 14 in Copenhagen

I am writing with an important update for those who attended ISPPD14 in Copenhagen this past May.

Kenes, conference organizers for ISPPD, were notified during and shortly after the meeting of a conference attendee who appeared to be presenting under more than one identity. In response, ISPPD leadership and Kenes investigated and discovered several travel grant applications that had irregularities. Whether the data contained in the abstracts submitted by these individuals contained irregularities has not been determined.

However, in consultation with the ISPPD Board and Kenes, ISPPD Leadership have requested, as a precaution, that Kenes remove 41 abstracts that were associated with the relevant travel grant applications from the electronic abstract book and conference app. The 9 scientists involved will be prohibited from receiving travel grants in the future and from becoming members of ISPPD.

I would like to thank the ISPPD attendees who brought the issue to our attention. ISPPD can only be successful if we maintain an honest exchange of scientific findings. We are working with Kenes to strengthen procedures to prevent irregular activity going forward.

Please contact the ISPPD office at admin@isppdsociety.com if you have concerns about the investigation or steps taken or if you feel you may have been affected by this incident.
Best regards,

Cynthia G. Whitney MD MPH
ISPPD President