Breaking: Penn State inquiry finds no evidence for allegations against Michael Mann
Penn State University has concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate the claims made against climate scientist Dr. Michael Mann surrounding the emails stolen from the Climate Research Unit at East Anglia University.
An inquiry panel was set up earlier this year to look at allegations made by right-wing bloggers and media outlets against Penn State University climate scientist, Dr. Michael Mann, relating to the contents of emails stolen from the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia in London.
On all 4 of the allegations made against Dr. Mann the panel has concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate the claims.
However, the panel has recommended that the allegation that Dr. Mann “engaged in, directly or indirectly, any actions that seriously deviated from accepted practices within the academic community for proposing, conducting or reporting research or other scholarly activities,” be further investigated.
Dr. Mann issued a statement today on the findings, saying that:
“I am very pleased that, after a thorough review, the independent Penn State committee found no evidence to substantiate the allegations against me.
Three of the four allegations have been dismissed completely. Even though no evidence to substantiate the fourth allegation was found, the University administrators thought it best to convene a separate committee of distinguished scientists to resolve any remaining questions about academic procedures.
This is very much the vindication I expected since I am confident I have done nothing wrong.
I fully support the additional inquiry which may be the best way to remove any lingering doubts. I intend to cooperate fully in this matter – as I have since the beginning of the process.”
The full report of the inquiry panel can be found here: Concerning the Allegations of Research Misconduct Against Dr. Michael E. Mann
Should Michael Mann hire a lawyer...
..to go on the *offense*?
It seems possible that some individuals with deep pockets (think talk-radio hosts) might have committed actionable acts of slander against Dr. Mann. If that's the case, It would be nice (albeit unlikely) if Dr. Mann were to go on the offense and file a lawsuit or two.
The downside to such legal action is that should Mann get his day in court, the decision would be in the hands of jurors with no scientific background. The defense could easily prevail by using tried-and-true "baffle them with bull***t" tactics.