RESEARCH CAREER STOLEN - What to do ?! Please Advise...
John Smith
First, I might have posted in the wrong place. If you know of a better
place - please tell me.
Second, I have to come to a solution quickly, since this case might have
"limitation" or whatsoever in legal terms - the fight is against time
The facts:
- I live in a small country with little ethics, respect for other's
property, with a reasonable legal system but highly corrupted institutes
(including professional ones)
- The country has its laws based on the British system, but American ruling
is highly regarded as well. Apart from that, I know little about law
- I developed an important theory for my doctoral thesis, which was given
for review to my appointed instructor, a well-known figure in the field
- The thesis is in the field of the social sciences, and my instructor is a
well-known figure in my country and well respected in the World
- All of this was 6.5 years ago. I gave him my theory (paper, dates etc...
are all documented). The instructor asked me in an email if I do not resist
if 'we could cooperate, and that you do not resist that I'll combine your
ideas as outlined in the proposal in my theory'. I did not answer his
request since it was too early- I wanted a serious plan, not an obscure
saying.
- During the following 4 months, he presents my theory in two separate
conferences AS HIS OWN THEORY integrated into his previous theory. My name
was not mentioned. This is also well documented.
- Thereafter, I talked to him and asked for my credit, but he denied that my
ides were mine, and since then, we could not cooperate as of lack of trust,
and I had to find another instructor. He implicitly decided to get rid of
me, and as a dean of the faculty he made all efforts to get rid of me (such
as preventing me from getting a scholarship, so I would leave the doctorate
program completely, and for a year I lived on the street!).
- After 2 years of delay, I could find a new idea and instructor, but this
time the idea was not as important or innovative (hereof: the unimportant
thesis). After additional 4 years of work, I could finish a good thesis, but
this time the reviewers, through his influence, were his friends and
declined my proposal.
- Last year he published an article (solely with his name on it, of course)
in a very prestigious international journal, again, integrating my theory
with his
- Political changes in the last year made it possible for me to get my
unimportant thesis revised again. This time it seems like it is to be
accepted. I hope that I will get my doctorate soon, but this time - with an
unimportant idea. My novel idea, which could have been my real important
academic future, is lost.
- I complained to the university's Chancellor. He phoned the instructor and
asked him about that. Of course, the instructor denied. The Chancellor
replied me with a letter denying all my complaint and warning me that if I
raise this issue again - I would be sued for libel!
Now - I do not know what to do. My idea is lost. I believe that there are
ways to (In decreasing importance)
1. Get my credit for my idea in some way at the journal it was posted or by
some other means
2. Get a public recognition that my idea is my idea, so I can rebuild my
academic career
3. Punish the evil professor
4. Get some compensation for my lost years and suffering
The fact that I believe is not enough. There are basic problems:
- If I sue him and/or the university, the rumor might spread and I might
lose any chance for a job - the country is small, people in the academy know
each other
- The professor is not a member of an international organization with an
ethics committee, so I cannot act in this direction. The local organizations
are corrupted.
This is the case. Can you think of a creative solution? I hope you can
provide me with some advice. It can change my life.
Thanks a lot!
John