Statement on investigation into work of PhD candidate

Outcome of initial phase of investigation We have completed the initial phase of investigation into the recent publication of the work of a student, who had registered for a PhD, which has raised widespread and significant concerns and complaints, all of which we take extremely seriously. We are examining all aspects of the student's work and academic supervision, the origin of the article, his prior background, the associated University processes for admission to our PGR programme and research conduct, and other questions that have been raised. This investigation is not yet complete, however, we wanted to provide initial findings where we are able, and actions we have taken, particularly as there are significant broader concerns about the student beyond research misconduct. Qualitative Research The basis for the article published in Qualitative Research was a paper for the course "Topics in Interdisciplinary Queer Studies: Autoethnography" at the University of Stavanger, Norway. The research involving participants described in the paper was conducted for his MA at a University in Berlin. There is contradictory information regarding when the period of self-immersive research activity took place. The described research methodology and data collection were not submitted for University of Manchester research ethics approval. The production of the paper was not part of his supervised PhD programme of study. However, there are wider questions for the University which we continue to investigate. Supporting a police investigation