A leading cancer scientist who has received tens of millions in NHMRC grants is being investigated for corruption following allegations of research misconduct.

The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute announced on Tuesday it had referred its former head of immunology in cancer and infection, Professor Mark Smyth, to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission.

The scientist, who resigned from the Brisbane-based institute in August, faces “a number of complaints” relating to his published research, Nine newspapers reported.

Professor Smyth was dubbed “the most highly cited immunologist in Australia” when he was elected a fellow at the Australian Academy of Science in 2017.