University-commissioned investigation is “so rife with conflicts of interest that it will be a sham”

The University of Minnesota is paying nearly $142,000 for a research review by AAHRPP — the very company that has “accredited” its research oversight program for years. In turn, AAHRPP has appointed a reviewer who consults for Quintiles — the very company whose recruiting tactics in the CAFE study led to the current call for a review.

Is this a problem? Not according to the University of Minnesota.  But many critics are calling the review a sham. There is coverage of the issue in The Star Tribune, City Pages, The Pioneer Press and the Minnesota Public Radio “On Campus” blog.