University research suspended due to ethical objections

University research suspended due to ethical objections

In a significant turn of events, the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) is grappling with the repercussions of a controversial research project that has raised concerns over research ethics violations. The latest updates, as of July 2025, reveal a series of disciplinary and legal actions following allegations of coercion in a human research project.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has imposed a fine of NT$1.1 million (approximately US$33,687) on NTNU and levied fines of NT$500,000 on two research project leaders due to coercive practices involving female soccer players being forced to submit to multiple blood samples for a research project funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). The players were subjected to up to three blood draws per day for 14 consecutive days, with threats of academic credit withholding if they refused[1].

As a result, the NTNU coach has been suspended for two years after an internal investigation confirmed her bullying actions in forcing players to participate in the study. The coach was removed from full coaching and administrative duties in December 2024, signed an apology letter after the May 2025 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games, and the university publicly apologised to affected students. Additionally, some blood draws were conducted by unqualified individuals, violating the Human Subjects Research Act[2][3].

In response, the study has been terminated, and all collected data ordered to be destroyed. NTNU was also ordered to halt all new human research ethics reviews starting July 1, 2025, and must submit a written plan for improvements within three months. The university's research ethics review committee was found negligent, and its two lead investigators face administrative penalties[2].

Moreover, the Taipei District Prosecutors Office has initiated a criminal inquiry against the coach, investigating possible criminal coercion[1]. NSTC leadership has also condemned NTNU's handling of the case and indicated the possibility of canceling funding for the university once their investigation report is released in two months[1].

NTNU has committed to strengthening research ethics training, tightening oversight, and improving financial practices related to research projects, reaffirming its commitment to ethical standards and offering apologies and support to the affected athletes[3][4]. Humanistic Education Foundation executive director Joanna Feng has urged reforms to include outside members in College University Faculty Evaluation Committees for a more balanced review.

This controversy highlights significant breaches in research ethics around coercion and human subject protections at NTNU, prompting both administrative sanctions and criminal investigations[1][2][3][4]. The university has issued an apology and plans to implement measures to ensure research ethics are upheld. However, it is important to note that the punitive measures only affected the finances of the professors involved, not their careers, according to Joanna Feng.

References: [1] Taiwan News. (2025, July 1). NTNU fined NT$1.1 million over soccer players' blood samples. Retrieved from https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4786166

[2] Central News Agency. (2025, July 1). NTNU fined NT$1.1 million over soccer players' blood samples. Retrieved from https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/20250701-a1-8567003.html

[3] Focus Taiwan. (2025, July 1). NTNU fined NT$1.1 million over soccer players' blood samples. Retrieved from https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202507010017

[4] The China Post. (2025, July 1). NTNU fined NT$1.1 million over soccer players' blood samples. Retrieved from https://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/generalnews/20250701/594155/NTNU-fined-NT-11-million-over-soccer-players.html

1. The National Taiwan Normal University's (NTNU) controversial research project, focused on health-and-wellness and funded by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), has sparked discussions in science and education-and-self-development circles due to ethical violations, including coercion, that were reported in multiple media outlets.
2. In the realm of general news, the judicial proceedings against the coach of the female soccer team involved in the controversial NTNU research project have implicated the university in health-and-wellness concerns, as well as issues related to research ethics and education.

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