SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Southern Illinois University School of Medicine has determined a scientist at the school violated internal and government rules in genital herpes vaccine research.

The State Journal-Register in Springfield reports that SIU provost Dr. Jerry Kruse noted “serious noncompliance” in an Oct. 6 response to a federal inquiry into the late William Halford’s research.

The newspaper obtained a redacted copy of the letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

Authorities are investigating whether there was professional oversight of a 2016 clinical trial by Springfield lab Rational Vaccines in the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis.

SIU says it thought Halford arranged for oversight.

A federal rules violation could jeopardize research funding.

A Rational Vaccines representative did not respond with comment.