Concerns over research integrity have led to the suspension of multiple animal research projects at Purdue University. In late 2025, two internal complaints were filed alleging serious misconduct, including the failure to maintain an aseptic environment, inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and the use of unapproved drugs on laboratory animals. The complaints were initially disclosed to the National Institute of Health (NIH) and later made public through the animal rights organization Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) via a Freedom of Information Act request.
Michael Budkie, the executive director of SAEN, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He remarked, “They were not following protocol… and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee requires that the protocol is followed to the letter.” He further asserted that the potential for meaningful scientific contributions from these projects has been severely undermined.
The first project, titled “Examination of behavioral and neural outcomes associated with drugs of abuse and neurodegenerative diseases,” faced suspension in October 2025. This decision was prompted by reports of improper PPE usage, failure to maintain aseptic conditions, and inadequate suturing techniques, which posed risks to animal welfare. Although the suspension was later lifted, university spokesman Trevor Peters confirmed the incident, stating that it was resolved without further issues.
In a more serious turn, another project named “High-throughput deep tissue in vivo imaging” was permanently suspended in December 2025 following a unanimous vote by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This suspension was attributed to multiple violations, including the improper housing of laboratory mice, failure to euthanize a wounded mouse as per veterinary instructions, and the use of unauthorized drugs without proper consultation. Notably, one lab member involved in this project faces an indefinite suspension due to their involvement in mishandling the treatment of the wounded mouse.
The situation escalated when documents indicated that health logs for the animals were potentially falsified. These discrepancies raised serious questions about the integrity of the recorded data and the timing of treatments administered, further complicating the university’s standing with regulatory bodies. The letter to the NIH highlighted that if left unaddressed, these issues could threaten Purdue’s accreditation status with the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.
Budkie noted that SAEN receives approximately 1,000 lab complaints annually, with about 50 to 100 deemed serious enough to warrant suspension. However, cases involving falsified documents are rare, with fewer than 10 reported each year. The misconduct incidents at Purdue are now under investigation according to the university’s Ethics Policy III.A.2, and those found culpable could face severe repercussions from the NIH, including being barred from future federally-funded research.
Peters reiterated Purdue’s commitment to responsible research practices, stating, “Purdue remains fully committed to maintaining complete compliance with all animal care and use regulations and to sustaining transparent, proactive communication with institutional oversight committees.” He added that remaining staff members not facing suspension will undergo retraining on IACUC policies to ensure adherence to established protocols.
The chair of the IACUC did not provide comments when contacted for clarification on the incidents. Budkie characterized the suspensions as unusual for a smaller institution, reflecting a broader concern regarding animal research practices and the accountability of research institutions.
As investigations continue, concerns persist about the implications these incidents may have on Purdue’s research credibility and future funding opportunities.
