The best antiseptic is sunlight

  CSL-UQ Academic Freedom Fiasco

    contact: dr.andrew.gunn@gmail.com (apologies if you languish in the spam folder)

The Summary: On 5 Dec 2007, a radio piece (recorded 14 Nov 2007) about drug marketing was aired. I briefly commented on Gardasil, a human papillomavirus vaccine, and questioned its marketing and cost-effectiveness. On 17 Dec 2007, CSL Limited sent a letter signed by Dr Rachel David to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Queensland (UQ). CSL complained about my radio comments on Gardasil and noted their long standing relationship with UQ. On 14 March 2008, the University sent me a letter ( p1 , p2 ) signed by the then Secretary and Registrar, Mr Douglas Porter. The letter said I should apologise to CSL because it was "highly likely" that I had misled listeners to believe that my opinions had been endorsed by UQ. The story appeared on crikey.com on 4 April 2008 and in the British Medical Journal the next day. On 2 May 2008, seven weeks after the University first said I should apologise to CSL, and three days after this interview was recorded, UQ issued a statement to The 7.30 Report (ABC TV's national current affairs program). This statement, which said UQ would not pursue an apology, was critically discussed here with ongoing international commentary e.g. Australian, French, German, Italian. On 25 June 2008, I did a follow up radio piece discussing drug company influence over universities. Links to more media coverage and analysis below. UQ's policy on academic freedom is here.

(Print-friendly links to selected media coverage and resources at www.andrewgunn.com/2008/docs/pf001.html).

ABC TV: The 7.30 Report 15 May 2008

"University admits error over forced Gardasil apology"

Transcript with video options
broadband video (Windows Media)

And more reports based on this television story e.g.

"UQ backs down over Gardasil criticism"

Australian Doctor 18 April 2008

"Academic GP defends radio statements on Gardasil vax"

Article
and Breaking News 8 April 2008 "GP made to apologise"

And more reports based on Australian Doctor reports e.g. UICC News 21 April 2008

Medical Observer

"GP academic under fire for pharma criticism" (600kB pdf, scroll down) 18 April 2008
"University backs off on forcing GP to apologise" 30 May 2008

ABC Radio National: The National Interest 11 April 2008


"Round up"

Transcript
mp3 audio file

The Courier-Mail 8 April 2008


"Academic ordered to apologise for criticising cancer vaccine Gardasil"

Text and pic
Letters to the Editor (about the story)

And more reports based on this article e.g. 6 Minutes, scoop (NZ), AUS Tertiary Update

Scientific Misconduct Blog - Dr Aubrey Blumsohn 5 April 2008


"Gardasil scandal: University of Queensland exits the civilized scientific community"

Commentary plus full text BMJ article

British Medical Journal 5 April 2008


"Academic freedom is at risk in dispute over Gardasil, lecturers say"

Article stub
Full online article and print version

ABC Radio National and ABC Local Radio: PM 4 April 2008


"UQ 'gagged academics to protect commercial deal'"

Transcript
mp3 audio file

Crikey


"Queensland Uni succumbs to drug company pressure" 4 April 2008
Croakey Forum: "Drug companies: a threat to academic freedom?" 4 April 2008
"Dear Julia Gillard: Universities Need Funds Not Ethical Compromise" 7 April 2008
"It's Time the University of Queensland Came Clean. Properly." 16 May 2008
Croakey Forum: "It's Time the University of Queensland Came Clean. Properly." 16 May 2008

More radio pieces by Andrew Gunn

Nothing on this website is authorised or endorsed by anyone but (perhaps) myself.

ABC Radio National: Perspective Getting back on the horse 25 June 2008 GPs and their mail 5 December 2007 Losing the conquest....indigenous health 3 July 2007 The Monkey in the Mirror 7 October 2005 Disadvantaged Youth and Suicide 18 May 2004

No, I'm not one of the Andrew Gunns working in movies or TV. I'm the Australian general practitioner / family physician who, among other things, works at Inala Primary Care, Brisbane Youth Service and the University of Queensland Health Service, edits New Doctor and gplink, and is National and Queensland Treasurer of the Doctors Reform Society. Illegitimi non carborundum Suppression of dissent resources (Brian Martin)