US System for Addressing Research Misconduct

1
US System for Addressing Research Misconduct

• OECD Global Science Forum
• Workshop on Best Practices
• Christine Boesz, Dr. PH
• Inspector General
• National Science Foundation

2
US System for Addressing Research Misconduct

• One common Federal definition and process for all
  fields of science and engineering
• 26 Federal research funding agencies
• University process models Federal process
• Hallmarks of Federal / University process
• Confidential, Fair, Objective
• Consistent
• definitions
• elements for finding research misconduct
• process
• Close coordination between funding agency and
  University
• Distinct phases inquiry, investigation,
  adjudication, appeal

3
US System University Role

• Universities primarily responsible for detecting
  and preventing research misconduct
• Uphold integrity of system
• Respond to allegations
• US rely on Universities to conduct investigations
• Size of awardee
• Presence of policy
• Conflict of Interest issues
• Universities convene ad hoc committee of peers

4
US System University Role

• US / University apply same evaluation criteria
• Meet definition
• Substantive departure from community standards
• Gross negligence
• Preponderance of evidence
• Committees report to high level official
• University actions are local

5
US System Federal Role

• University provides investigative report to US
• Fair
• Objective
• Adequate documentation
• Followed procedures
• US is not bound by university findings
• Can make additional investigation
• Can take proactive actions to protect Federal
  interests
• US coordinates across international boundaries