To the editor:
Re: "Audit finds VCH/UBC research funds at high risk for fraud," March 27.
The reporter did not contact UBC for comment, although the university's exposure to the risk of fraud is highlighted in the story.
UBC has zero tolerance for fraud and has processes to detect, track, investigate and resolve cases of financial impropriety - including the specialized software the reporter alludes to in his copy.
The university recognizes the specific challenges posed by the complexity and size of the Faculty of Medicine, where our research and teaching programs involve multiple partners in multiple locations, including the province's health authorities. Accordingly, UBC has strengthened the financial oversight and management of these operations, in order to better support our researchers, managers and staff.
Financial impropriety is not a common occurrence at UBC, but when it is confirmed, the university terminates employment and pursues legal action where a recovery of lost funds is possible.
No organization is safe from someone who has the means, skills and drive to commit fraud. But the university is determined to prevent it and to take resolute action as soon as fraud is suspected. The university is entrusted with sizeable research funding, much of it public. I assure you this is a responsibility that is taken extremely seriously at UBC.
Ian Burgess, Comptroller University of B.C.
