Data Integrity

When it is learned that the experimental results reported by a graduate student cannot be reproduced, after further investigation the student is charged with misconduct and dismissed.  The student had earlier presented these questionable results at a meeting where, although no proceedings were published, written abstracts were handed out.  The student also exchanged email with staff at other research facilities, discussing these results and forwarding a small part of the data.  What action should the university take, if any, after discovering that this questionable data was discussed prematurely and perhaps even partly released?  Does the university have any obligation to protect the privacy and reputation of this student?

W8Y says:  When the student was charged with misconduct and dismissed, presumably this occurred through a formal process and the evidence indicated that the student was indeed guilty.  The university has no obligation to correct the dissemination of questionable results, since it was of an informal nature.  Publishing retractions to unpublished results would only confuse the issue.  There is no reference, and others who might mention that work would do so without citation.  The university has expelled the student and has no further obligation to the student.  Given that the courts have determined the right to privacy of students, the university must not publicize the issue, although leakage to local papers might occur and the university might not be able to stop it.