http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climatic_Research_Unit_e-mail_hacking_incident
Climatic Research Unit e-mail hacking incident
The Climatic Research Unit e-mail hacking incident, also known as Climategate, began in November 2009 with the hacking of a server used by the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) of the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich, England, in the United Kingdom. An unknown individual or individuals stole and anonymously disseminated over a thousand e-mails and other documents made over the course of 13 years. The university confirmed that a criminal breach of their security systems took place, and expressed concern "that personal information about individuals may have been compromised." Details of the incident have been reported to the police, who are investigating. Professor Phil Jones, Director of the CRU, confirmed that the leaked e-mails that had provoked heated debate appeared to be genuine.
Critics have asserted that the e-mails show collusion by climate scientists to withhold scientific information. Other prominent climate scientists, such as Richard Somerville, have called the incident a smear campaign. Kevin Trenberth of the National Center for Atmospheric Research stated that the sceptics have selectively quoted words and phrases out of context in an attempt to sabotage the Copenhagen global climate summit in December.
On November 24, the University of East Anglia announced it would conduct an independent review of the matter, and, one week later, announced that Phil Jones would stand aside temporarily as director of the Unit during the investigation. The review will be headed up by Sir Muir Russell, chairman of the Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland