Utrecht University probes professor's undisclosed Red Bull payments

Utrecht University has launched an ethics investigation into its pharmacology department after investigative journalists reported that associate professor Joris Verster received undisclosed payments from energy‑drink maker Red Bull and U.S. firm Sen‑Jam Pharmaceuticals while publishing research that favoured these companies. Verster operated the consultancy NeuroClinics and listed some activities, but the university says the payments were not properly disclosed under its conflict‑of‑interest rules. Studies funded by Red Bull concluded that the drink improves driving performance and that mixing it with alcohol is safer, while a Sen‑Jam‑funded study on a hangover pill found no increase in alcohol consumption. A 2013 integrity review had previously found no breach, but the new probe now examines the broader research culture of the department. Verster, on sick leave since May, has halted his academic duties and consultancy work pending the outcome.

The investigation focuses on whether the professor’s financial ties compromised scientific integrity and if the university’s disclosure policies were adequately applied.