NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS
CLOSEOUT MEMORANDUM
Case Number: A11010003 Page 1 of 1
We assessed an allegation of misconduct in NSF -supported research. 1 The allegation
resolved into several separable issues.
Allegation 1: Misconduct related to invention of certain compounds and a subsequent
publication that explored potential applications. Based on our review, we determined that the
publication in question did not improperly claim inventorship or design of the compounds. The
invention was properly filed and a separate publication described the design and synthesis of the
compounds. Part of this allegation was an issue of proper authorship on the applications
publication. The authorship issue identified was not deemed to be research misconduct under
NSF's definition.
Allegation 2: Suppression of results in an annual report to NSF. Based on our review,
we confirmed that research results contributed from one scientist within a collaborative effort
were not included in annual reports to NSF. Although these results indicated findings and a
differing interpretation which were later supported by a publication from colleagues (see
Allegation 3), we concluded that the omission from the report does not constitute suppression.
The allegation characterized the omission as falsification; we concluded that the decision not to
include the results was reasonable at the time, and did not constitute falsification.
Allegation 3: Misconduct related to a later publication which improperly took credit for
earlier "suppressed" results (Allegation 2). The later publication provides some support for the
earlier results and interpretation. However, the data in the publication are results from the effort
of listed authors, and credit to earlier work was provided. We conclude that there is no research
misconduct.
Allegation 4: Improper investigation of allegations by a grantee. The complainant raised
several issues related to actions by the grantee, which previously reviewed the matter and
concluded there was insufficient merit to further investigate. This is not an issue of research
misconduct that our office would investigate.
We conclude there is insufficient merit to the allegations to further investigate these
matters. Therefore, this case is closed.
NSF OIG Form 2 (11/02)
Data Tampering / Sabotage / Fabrication
Published by the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General on 2013-03-10.
Below is a raw (and likely hideous) rendition of the original report. (PDF)