When I was in grad school I had done measurements of the magnetic anisotropy of amorphous compounds. I had found an interesting link between the structure and the magnetic properties which is surprising since the material is amorphous, the material properties should be isotropic yet these had a preferred magnetization axis. During the discussions of these results with my advisor I was told in very clear terms that he…
I see this kind of stuff all the time and I'm convinced that Academia is corrupt. While working against a Grad Student doesn't seem particularly evil, rather just a bit backstabby/political, I suggest that it is 'really bad' because it contravenes the basic organizing principle of science itself.
Kind of like a Judge ruling one way or another for personal reasons, or ruling with a heavy conflict of interest.
There needs to be much stronger ethical principles around this and an advisor hinting at obfuscating work for such reasons should be up for review.