Purdue University suspended various animal research projects due to allegations of misconduct, including violations of laboratory protocol and falsification of documents. In late 2025, two internal complaints were filed, detailing incidents such as failure to maintain an aseptic environment, inadequate use of personal protective equipment, and administering unapproved drugs to laboratory animals. These allegations were reported to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and provided to The Exponent by Stop Animal Exploitation Now (SAEN) through a Freedom of Information Act request.
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Michael Budkie, the executive director of SAEN, highlighted the seriousness of the alleged misconduct, stating that the protocols were not followed as required by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). “None of this research can be published,” Budkie remarked, indicating that the chance for these projects to yield useful scientific data was likely diminished.
In October 2025, the experiment titled “Examination of behavioral and neural outcomes associated with drugs of abuse and neurodegenerative diseases” faced a temporary suspension that was later lifted. A letter from Purdue’s Office of Research to the NIH attributed the suspension to improper use of PPE, failure to maintain an aseptic environment, and incorrect suturing techniques.
University spokesperson Trevor Peters confirmed the suspension but asserted that all procedures followed approved guidelines, stating that the issue was resolved and the protocol reinstated without further concerns.
However, another experiment, “High-throughput deep tissue in vivo imaging,” faced permanent suspension in December 2025 after a unanimous IACUC vote for multiple violations. These included improper housing of mice and failing to euthanize a wounded mouse despite a veterinarian's instructions. A specific lab member, whose name was not disclosed, was permanently suspended for addressing the mouse's wound independently and using unsuitable treatments without veterinary consultation.
Documents indicated that logs regarding the treatment of animals may have been falsified, raising questions about the integrity of the research. Such findings pose a risk to the university's accreditation with the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. The incidents are currently under investigation according to Purdue's Ethics Policy III.A.2.
Budkie noted that the Federal Office of Research Integrity at NIH could impose severe consequences, including barring involved individuals from participating in federally-funded research if found guilty of misconduct. Given that many institutions rely on federal funding for research, such findings could complicate future employment opportunities for those implicated.
The remaining staff not involved in suspensions will be required to undergo retraining on IACUC policies. Peters reiterated Purdue's commitment to responsible research practices and compliance with all animal care regulations.