Article Tags: ClimateGate
The university has until April 26 to appeal against the decision
Scientists at Queen’s University in Belfast have been ordered to hand over 40 years of research data on tree rings after a three-year battle with climate sceptics. The ruling by the Information Commissioner sets a precedent for scientists having to comply with the strictest interpretation of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
It suggests that in future academics will not be able to avoid handing over data by claiming that the task would be too onerous or that it would breach intellectual property rights.
Douglas Keenan, an independent researcher from London, who is a well-known climate sceptic, first requested the data in 2007. Queen’s refused his request, saying that it was too expensive.
Now the commissioner has ruled that the university will be in contempt of FoI laws if it refuses to address the request.
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Source: timesonline.co.uk