Letter: All above board 2

The University of Glasgow research project was approved by the department of sociology and the faculty of social sciences on the grounds that it was opening an important area of research.

In response to Marcello Mega's initial inquiry, it was explained that in any area of investigation, researchers need to be able to report on processes or situations and to develop scientifically grounded explanations. Given that humans have a wide range of sexual preferences and can follow these in situations where they may be regarded as immoral or illegal, sociological research cannot be restricted to practices or communities that society in general may regard as "normal".

Following further information from Mega, the university promptly began an inquiry. It found that the researcher concerned had not breached the university's code of discipline or the regulations and code of conduct for using IT facilities. He was, however, told to modify his research methods with respect to the conduct of interviews. The sociology department was requested to take appropriate action with regard to its supervision of the work.

The press office handled the information, as provided by Mega, in the professional manner necessary to provide the response he requested. If Mega believes he has evidence that a member of the university misused that information, any such complaint would be investigated.

Dugald Mackie
Secretary of court
University of Glasgow