NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS
CLOSEOUT MEMORANDUM
Case Number: A11060041 Page 1 of 1
OIG conducted an inquiry into an allegation of plagiarism in two NSF proposals
2
(Proposal 11 and Proposal 2 ). We concluded there was sufficient evidence to refer an
investigation of the PI (Subject 13) and Co-PI (Subject 24) of the Proposals to the University.
The University concluded, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that Subjects 1 and
2 recklessly committed plagiarism, which the University deemed a departure from accepted
practices. It required that their grant proposals be reviewed for five years; that they develop and
instruct an ethics workshop for three years; that their Dean and Department chair be notified of
the finding and be made responsible for monitoring their work; and that their 2012 annual review
reflect the finding.
The University subsequently conducted an inquiry on the former post-doc (Subject 3) 5
whom Subjects 1 and 2 had said was directly responsible for the plagiarism. Its inquiry
determined an investigation was warranted; however, in lieu of the investigation, the University
and Subject 3 signed a settlement agreement, precluding him from seeking University
reemployment for seven years and requiring that he waive and release his rights and claims.
Our independent investigation concluded that Subjects 1 and 2 were not directly
responsible for the plagiarism and that the actions taken against them by the University protect
the federal interest. Our investigation further concluded, by a preponderance of the evidence,
that Subject 3 knowingly committed plagiarism, which we deemed a significant departure from
accepted practices of the relevant research community. We recommended actions to be taken to
protect the federal interest. The Senior Advisor to the Director concurred with our
recommendations.
This memo, the attached Report of Investigation, and the decision of the Senior Advisor to
the Director constitute the case closeout. Accordingly, this case is closed.
NSF OIG Form 2 (11/02)
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
National Science Foundation
Office of Inspector General
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Report of Investigation
Case Number A11060041
October 30, 2013
This Report of Investigation is provided to you
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.
It contains protected personal information, the unauthorized disclosure of which may result in
personal criminal liability under the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552a This report may be further
disclosed within NSF only to individuals who must have knowledge of its contents to
facilitate NSF's assessment and resolution of this matter. This report may be disclosed
outside NSF only under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, 5 U.S.C. §§ 552 &
552a. Please take appropriate precautions handling this report of investigation.
NSF OIG Form 22b (1/13)
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
Executive Summary
Allegation: Plagiarism.
OIG Inquiry: OIG identified 10 sources from which approximately 80 lines, 3 figures, and 17
embedded references were copied into 2 NSF proposals. OIG referred
investigation of the matter to the home institution of the PI (Subject 1) and co-Pis
(Subjects 2 and 3) on the proposals.
University
Investigation: The University concluded, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that
Subjects 1 and 2 recklessly committed plagiarism, deemed a departure from
J , ,.
acc.eptea practleesr
The University required that the grant proposals of Subjects 1 and 2 be reviewed
for 5 years; that they develop and instruct an ethics workshop for 3 years; that
their Dean and Department chair be notified of the finding and be made
responsible for monitoring their work; and that their 2012 annual review reflect
the finding.
Based on the fmdings of its investigation involving Subjects 1 and 2, the
University conducted an inquiry focusing on Subject 3, which determined there
was sufficient evidence to substantiate Subject 3 's direct involvement in the
plagiarism and proceed to investigation. In lieu of further investigation, however,
the University instead arrived at a settlement agreement with Subject 3, that
precludes him from seeking University reemployment for 7 years and requires
that he waive and release his rights and claims.
OIG
Assessment:
The actions taken by the University against Subjects 1 and 2 protected federal
interests. The conduct of Subject 3 merits further action by NSF.
• The Act: Subject 3 plagiarized 88 lines, 3 figures, and 27 embedded
references from i 1 sources into two NSF proposals.
• Intent: Subject 3 acted knowingly.
• Standard of Proof: A preponderance of evidence supports the conclusion
that Subject 3 co:rinnitted plagiarism.
• Significant Departure: Subject 3 's plagiarism represents a significant
departure from accepted practices.
• Pattern: Three other NSF proposals Subject 3 drafted contained plagiarism.
OIG
Recommends:
• Make a finding of research misconduct against Subject 3.
• Send Subject 3 a letter of reprimand.
• Require certifications from Subject 3 for a period of 1 year.
• Require assurances from Subject 3 for a period of 1 year.
1
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
• Require certification of attending a comprehensive responsible conduct of
research training class within one year.
2
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OIG's Inquiry
1
OIG conducted an inquiry into an allegation of plagiarism in an NSF proposal (Proposal 1 ).
We reviewed Proposal 1 and found 47 lines; 16 embedded references, and two figures copied from
six sources? Our review of another NSF Proposal (Proposal 23) found 33lines, one embedded
reference, and one figure copied from four sources. 4 The following chart illustrates our findings:
Source Proposal! Proposal2
A 16 lines, 9 embedded references
!
B 10 lines
c 5 lines, 1 figure, 3 embedded references
-- -- .. .~
:;_; V .i..i.ii,__.U, • ;.....;,.;,;,;_,-...,-..._~;..."-£-;_;.,..;,.,_.,;._;..,;...i_-..;.,....:;;
E 4 lines, 1 figure
F 4lines
G 8 lines, 1 embedded reference
H 9 lines
I 8 lines
J 8 lines, 1 figure
Total 47 lines, 2 figures, 16 embedded references 33 lines, 1 figure, 1 embedded reference
We contacted the Proposals' PI (Subject 15) and Co-PI (Subject 2 6) regarding the
allegations. 7 In their joint responses, 8 they acknowledged "that we didn't put appropriate references
against some sentences where it deserves" adding that "since we did use most of those source
documents in our list of references, it at least shows that we did acknowledge their important
contribution in the field. " 9 They asserted that "our intention was never to hide appropriate
references or copy directly and take credit for that write-up." 10
Subjects 1 and 2 explained that:
During the course of proposal preparation, a lot of our focus stays
on the proposed concept development, clearly defining the
hypothesis and research objectives as well as summarizing our
own preliminary data and technical approach sections. As a result,
we depend sometimes on our students and associates for some of
1
Tab 1
(Subject 2). Institution:.
3 Tab 2: sourcesiA.-F . sour.celsiAI'IBI,ICI,IDI,lanldiF.arleiijolurnlllalllart.icllelsl;SlolurlcleiE.islalwlelblsl·te.••••
Tab 3: 11111 111 11 "PI: Subject I.
Co-PI: Subject 2. Institution: University. Awarded.
4
Tab 4: Sources G-J. Sources G, H, and J are ournal Source I is a website.
5
7
Tab 4. We did not .contact Subject 3 because, unlike Subject 2, he was not a named Co-PI on Proposal2.
8
Tab 5. Subjects 1 and2 are spouses.
9
Tab 5, Response 2, pg 2. All quotations herein are sic, with emphasis as in original.
10
Tab 5, Response 2, pg 2.
3
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
the literature review part of the writing. Sometimes due to
communications gap between our students and us, these kinds of
errors happen, which are truly very unfortunate mistakes. For
example, the write up in question for [Proposal 1] was originally
12
sent to us by [Subject 3 11 ], a co-PI in this proposal
They said they "trusted [Subject 3] as a co-PI for his professional judgment for the literature review
aspects of this proposal," but said they are responsible for not "validating all the citations that he
used." 13 Subjects 1 and 2 concluded that ~'We cannot avoid our responsibility for such mistakes.
And we do apologize for that." 14
The Subjects provided a corroborating email from Subject 3, stating "I am feeling very
terrible with this issue and it will haunt me for life. Especially, I lost your trust on me, which I do
not think I can gain again. I never did such a terrible mistake in my entire life and I can never
forgive myself for this." 15 The email also detailed additional instances of inadequate citation. 16
The response did not dispel the allegation. First, Subjects 1 and 2 acknowledged their
j responsibility for the copied material. Second, the totality of identified plagiarism could not be
attributed to Subject 3, who was not a Co-PI on Proposal2Y Last, Subjects 1 and 2 seemed to
demonstrate a lack of understanding on appropriate citation when they said that insertion of a
reference near verbatim copying would have been sufficient. We concluded there was sufficient
evidence to proceed to an investigation related to Subjects 1 and 2.
University Investigation and Adjudication
Consistent with our policy, we referred the investigationto the University. 18 The University
convened a committee, which produced a report that it provided to our office. The report was
subsequently remanded to the committee by the Uruversity due to procedural errors.
The University convened a new Committee, which produced a second report (Report) that it
provided to our office with attachments. 19 The Committee conducted interviews and reviewed 12
state and federal grant proposals Subjects 1 and 2 submitted?0 The Report concluded, based on a
preponderance of the evidence, that Subjects 1 and 2 were "reckless in [their] attribution practices
during the time period covered by this investigation, either directly through [their] own attribution
11• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
12
Tab 5, Response 2, pg 3.
13
Tab 5, Response 3, pg 1.
14
Tab 5, Response 2, pg 3.
15
Tab 5, Response 3, pg 1.
16
Tab 5, Response 3, pg 3-4.
17
Subject 3 was not named on Proposal2's cover page, but the proposal did contain his Biographical Sketch.
18
Tab 6. '
19
Tab 7.
20
Tab 7, Exhibits, Exhibit 22. Six of the 12 proposals were NSF proposals: Proposal I, Proposal2,·····
(Proposal3), (Proposal4), ProposalS), and (Proposal6). Proposals
1-6 named Subject 1 as PI and Proposals 1-5 named Subject 2 as a Co-PI.
4
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
omissions or through insufficient monitoring of graduate student and post-doctoral proposal
contributions."21 Specifically, it stated:
Because of the way in which the research laboratory of [Subject 1]
and [Subject 2] utilized research assistants and postdoctoral
researchers, it is impossible to show that the Respondents
themselves plagiarized, i.e. that not all the plagiarism originated
22
from postdoctoral researchers, students, ancl/or collaborators.
It found that Subjects 1 and 2 exhibited "insufficient review and correction"23 during proposal
preparation since:
Copying of material is usually identifiable to careful readers who
are mentors of their junior associates and who are also experts in
their fields. The Committee finds that the Respondents should have
identified a pattern of plagiarism among their collaborating post-
doctoral researchers or graduate students; and that they had the
opportunity to address the problem. 24
It added that "The Respondents are ... responsible for the content of their proposals, and there is a
clear, persistent pattern of plagiarism in the materials analyzed." 25 It deemed their actions a
significant departure from accepted practices.26
The Committee's investigation included statements regarding Subject 3's culpability. It
found that Subject 3 "acknowledged that he did not provide proper citations in the 2 proposals
identified by NSF" and "that the 3 other proposals for which he wrote first drafts may also contain
similar problems." 27 It also found that "When asked about whether one should use quotation marks
when copying a sentence or paragraph, [Subject 3] did not have an answer" despite his statement
that "he received 'guidance' about proper citation procedures, and that [Subjects 1 and 2] talked
about this subject during group meetings;" 28 The Committee, however, noted that Subject 3 did not
draft all of the proposals in question and could not therefore be responsible for the totality of acts, 29
The University's Deciding Official30 accepted the Committee's report and imposed the
following actions recommended by the Committee: Subjects 1 and 2's grant proposals must be
reviewed using plagiarism software for five years; they must develop and instruct an "Ethics of
Scientific Publishing" workshop for three years; their Dean and Department Chair were notified of
21
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 11.
22
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 1.
23
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 9.
24
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 10.
25
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 1.
26
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 1.
27
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 6. The three other proposals are Proposals 3 and 4, and a state proposal.
28
Tab 7, .Investigation Report, pg 6. · .
29
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 1. Subject 1 was sole Pion Proposal6; Subject 2 was sole PI on two NIH grants.
w '
5
SENSITIVE SENSIIDTE
the research misconduct fmding and made responsible for monitoring their work; and their 2012
31
annual review reflected the research misconduct fmding.
Subjects 1 and 2 strongly disputed the Committee's conclusions in a response they provided
32
both to the I Iniversity and to om office
University Inquiry and Adjudication of Subject 3
Based on the investigation, a University Official (Official)33 conducted an inquiry into
allegations of plagiarism against Subject 3. The Official produced a report (Inquiry Report) that was
provided to our office with attachments. 34 She determined that [Subject 3] "appears to have
35
committed research misconduct by plagiarizing in multiple grant proposals." Specifically, she
said:
From listening to the interview, 36 [Subject 3] freely admitted to
putting together the draft of the proposal and that he copied
passages into the proposal word for word directly out of references
without citing the references. He claims this was done because he
was in a hurry in putting the draft together. He claims that because
of the time cfUflch in getting the proposal written and submitted to
the funding agency, the passages were never cited or for that
matter put in quotation marks. He claims that it was never his
intention to leave the copied passages in the proposal without
citing. He admits it was a mistake on his part and not intentional. 37
The Inquiry Report concluded there was sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation
and proceed to investigation, but that it would not do so pending the negotiation of a settlement
agreement between the University and Subject 3. 38 The signed agreement precluded Subject 3 from
seeking University reemployment for seven years and required he waive and release his rights and
claims "based upon wrongful discharge, defamation, invasion of privacy, alleged discrimination of
any kind, any requests for public records, and any other claims arising in tort or in contract."39
OIG's Independent Review
OIG assessed the Report and Inquiry Report for accuracy and completeness. We found both
to be accurate and complete and further found that the University followed reasonable procedures,
31
Tab 7, DO Decision.
32
Tab 8.
33~~···················-
34
35
36
Tab 9.
Tab 9, pg 1.
The interview refers to the interview of Subject 3 conducted during the investigation.
37
Tab 9, pg 2.
38
Tab 9, Inquiry Report Cover Memo, pg 1.
39
Tab 10.
6
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
and produced an acceptable evidentiary record. However, for reasons discussed beloW, our
conclusions differ from those of the University. Accordingly, we adopted its fmdings in part, but
could not accept the Report in its totality in lieu of conducting our own investigation.
OIG's Investigation
Our investigation initially sought to clarify the party or parties directly responsible for
inclusion of the plagiarized material in Proposals 1 and 2. We concluded that Subject 3 was directly
responsible for the plagiarism. First, Subject 3 acknowledged drafting and/or being significantly
involved in Proposals 1 and 2. Second, and most crucially, a review of Subject 3 's drafts of
Proposals 1 and 2 confirmed that he introduced the copied text into the proposals. 40
We further concluded that Subject 3 was directly responsible for the plagiarism in Proposals
3, 4, and 5. He acknowledged drafting and/or being significantly involved in Proposals 3 and 4. 41
Additionally, although Subject 3 said he was not involved in Proposal5,42 our review confirmed
Subject 1 and 2's assertion that Proposal 5 included identical material from a non-NSF proposal to
which Subject 3 acknowledged he contributed. 43
To better assess whether Subject 1 and 2 exhibited a pattern of plagiarism, we reviewed two
NSF proposals Subject 144 and Subject 245 each submitted as sole PI. We identified no substantive
plagiarism. Similarly, we identified no plagiarism in three recent proposals they submitted. 46 Based
on the totality of the evidence, we concluded that Subjects 1 and 2 were not directly responsible for
the plagiarism, and that the protection of federal interests does not require action beyond that ta.Jcen
by the University.
Our investigation therefore focused on Subject 3, who although not currently employed in
the U.S., could return to U.S. employment We contacted Subject 3, invited his comments on the
Inquiry Report, and asked him to respond to specific questions and provide his CV. 47 Subject 3
provided his CV and responded only that he had not taken a course on research ethics, had not been
instructed about plagiarism, and had not taken a grant writing course:48
Were-reviewed Proposals 1 and 2 relative to Subject's 3 admission of additional copied
material. 49 We identified an additional eight lines and 10 embedded references from a journal
40
Tab 11, Exhibits 6 and 7. Subjects 1 and 2 provided these documents in response to a request for comment on the
subsequently remanded report.
41
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 6.
42
Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 6-7.
43
The non-NSF proposal was a state grant proposal (Tab 7, Investigation Report, pg 6). The Subject's assertions appear
at Tab 8, Analysis Final, pgs 16 and 24. '
and sal6. The University reviewed Proposal 6 as part of its investigation.
This finding is consistent with their statement that they used
personal funds to purchase plagiarism detection software.
47
Tab 12.
48
Tab 13.
49
Tab 5, Response 3, pg 3-4.
7
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
::)rticle in Proposal1. 50 We concluded, by a preponderance of the evidence, that Subject 3
appropriated 88 lines, 3 figures, and 27 embedded references from 11 sources into Proposals 1 and
2 without giving appropriate credit. We concluded that his act met the federal definition of
plagiarism. Additionally, based on Subject 3 's statements, particularly his admission that he
inserted the text without citation or reference because of time pressures, we concluded Subject 3
committed the plagiarism knowingly. The Subject was wholly educated outside the U.S.(other than
his then-current University postdoc position), 51 and claims he never received formal education ·
about plagiarism. 52 Despite these facts, it is clear from his admission that he had simply copied and·
pasted material into the proposals without adequate attribution and that the Subject understood the
nature of, and prohibition against, plagiarism.
To determine whether Subject 3 's acts were a significant departure from accepted practices
of the relevant research community, we first examined the University's practices. Based on the
Report and Inquiry Report, such acts are clearly contrary to the practices of the University that then
employed Subject 3. We then examined guidelines of the journal publisher in whose journals
Subject 3 frequently publishes, 5 3 and found extensive resources related to plagiarism. 54 Similarly, a
professional society at whose conferences the Subject frequently presented has a policy and
procedure for addressing plagiarism claims. 55 We concluded Subject 3's acts were a significant
departure from accepted practices of his research communities.
Lastly, our review of Proposals 3, 4, and 5 found Proposal 3 contained roughly 38 copied
lines, Proposal 4 contained roughly 20 copied lines, and Proposal 5 contained roughly 22 copied
lines. We determined the Subject exhibited a pattern of plagiarism.
OIG's Assessment
A fmding of research misconduct by NSF requires (1) there be a significant departure from
accepted practices of the relevant research community, (2) the research misconduct be committed
intentionally, or knowingly, or recklessly, and (3) the allegation be proved by a preponderance of
the evidence. 56
The Acts
The University concluded, and we agree, that Subject 3 plagiarized 88 lines, 3 figures, and
27 embedded references from 11 sources into two NSF proposals. We determined that Subject 3's
actions constituted a significant departure from accepted practices.
50
Tab 14.
51
Tab 13, pg 2.
52
Tab 13, pg 1.
53
whose j oumals include: l!ll!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!l!!!!!·····
8
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
We concluded that Subject 3 acted knowingly based on his own admission that he inserted
text without citation or reference due to time pressures.
Standard o[Proo[
We concluded that Subject 3 's actions and intent were proven based on a preponderance of
the evidence.
We conclude by a preponderance of the evidence, that Subject 3 knowingly plagiarized,
thereby committing an act of research misconduct. 57
·OIG's Recommended Disposition
When deciding what appropriate action to take upon a finding of misconduct, NSF must
consider:
(1) How serious the misconduct was; (2) The degree to which the
misconduct was knowing, intentional, or reckless; (3) Whether it was
an isolated event or part of a pattern; (4) Whether it had a significant
impact on the research record, research subjects, other researchers,
institutions or the public welfare; and (5) Other relevant
circumstances. 58
Seriousness
Subject 3 's actions are a violation of the standards of scholarship and the tenets of general
research ethics. Copied text serves to misrepresent one's body of knowledge, presenting reviewers
with an inaccurate representation of a proposal's respective merit. Additionally, his "time-saving"
strategy of copying material without adequate attiibution served to implicate Subjects 1 and 2 in the
time-consuming investigation process.
Pattern
We concluded that three other NSF proposals contained copied material, constituting a
pattern of plagiarism.
Recommendation
Based on the evidenc:e, OIG recommends that NSF:
• Send the Subject a letter of reprimand notifying Subject 3 that NSF has made a fmding
of research misconduct. 59 ·
57
45 C.P.R. part 689.
58
45 C.P.R. § 689.3(b).
59
A Group I actioJ.?. 45 C.P.R. 689.3(a)(l)(i).
9
SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
• Require the Subject to certify to the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations
(AIGI) his completion of a responsible conduct of research training program and provide
documentation ofthe program's content within 1 year ofNSF's finding. 60 The
instruction should be in an interactive fomiat (e.g., an instructor-led course) and
spgcifically includg infOrmation rggarding appropriate citation.
For a period of 1 year as of the date ofNSF's finding:
• Require, for each document (proposal, report, etc.) to which the Subject contributes for
submission to NSF (directly or through his institution),
o the Subject to submit a contemporaneous certification to the AIGI that the
document does not contain plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication. 61
o the Subject to submit contemporaneous assurances from a responsible official of
his employer to the AIGI that the document does not contain plagiarism,
falsification, or fabrication. 62
The Subject's Response to Draft Investigation Report
We provided the Subject with a copy of our draft report and attachments for comment. The
Subject chose not to respond to our report. He did however note that he could not currently locate a
responsible conduct of research training program in India, but that he would continue looking for
such a program.
60
This action is similar to Group I actions 45 C.F.R. 689.3(a)(l).
61
This action is similar to 45 C.F.R. 689.3(a)(l)(iii).
62
A Group I action 45 C.F.R. 689.3(a)(l)(iii).
10
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
4201 WILSON BOULEVARD
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22230
APP n1 ZD14
CERTIFIED MAIL --RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Re: Notice of Research Misconduct Determination
Dear D r . -
As documented in the attached
Investigative Report prepared by NSF's Office of Inspector General (OIG), these proposals
contained plagiarized material.
Research Misconduct and Proposed Sanctions
Under NSF's regulations, "research misconduct" is defmed as "fabrication, falsification, or
plagiarism in proposing or performing research funded by NSF ... " 45 CFR 689.1 (a). NSF
defines "plagiarism" as "the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results or words
without giving appropriate credit." 45 CFR 689.1(a)(3). A finding of research misconduct
requires that:
(1) There be a significant departure from accepted practices of the relevant research
community;
(2) The research misconduct be committed intentionally, or knowingly, or recklessly;
and
(3) The allegation be proven by a preponderance of evidence.
45 CFR 689.2(c).
Your proposals to NSF contained substantial copied material: 88lines, 3 figures, and 27
embedded references copied from eleven sources. Your submission of proposals with substantial
copied material constitutes plagi[l[ism and meets the applicable definition of "research
Page2
misconduct" set forth in NSF's regulations. Pursuant to NSF's regulations, the Foundation must
also determine whether to make a finding of misconduct based on a preponderance of the
evidence. 45 CFR 689.2(c). After reviewing the Investigative Report, in particular the OIG's
analysis of your other proposal, NSF has determined that, based on a preponderance of the
evidence, you acted knowingly and that your actions constituted a significant departure from
accepted practices of the relevant research community. I am, consequently, issuing a finding of
research misconduct against you.
NSF's regulations establish three categories of actions (Group I, II, and III) that can be taken in
response to a finding of misconduct. 45 CFR 689.3(a). Group I actions include issuing a letter
of reprimand; conditioning awards on prior approval of particular activities from NSF; requiring
that an institution or individual obtain special prior approval of particular activities from NSF;
and requiring that art institutional representati,.re certify as to the accuracy of reports or
certifications of compliance with particular requirements. 45 CFR 689.3(a)(l). Group II actions
include award suspension or restrictions on designated activities or expenditures; requiring
special reviews of requests for funding; and requiring correction to the research record. 45 CFR
689.3(a)(2). Group III actions include suspension or termination of awards; prohibitions on
participation as NSF reviewers, advisors or consultants; and debarment or suspension from
participation in NSF programs. 45 CFR 689.3(a)(3).
In determining the severity of the sanction to impose for research misconduct, I have considered
the seriousness of the misconduct and the fact it was not an isolated event. I have also
considered other relevant circumstances. 45 CFR 689.3(b).
After assessing the relevant facts and circumstances of this case and NSF's regulations, I am
taking the following actions:
• Within one year of the date of this notice, you must complete a responsible conduct of
research training program, for which the instruction should be an interactive format (e.g.,
an instructor-led course) and which specifically includes plagiarism. You must provide
documentation of the program's content and proof of its completion to the OIG;
• For a period of one year from the date of this notice, you are required to submit
certifications to the OIG that any proposal or report you submit to NSF as a Principal
Investigator (PI) or co-PI does not contain plagiarized, falsified or fabricated material;
and
• For a period of one year from the date of this notice, you are required to submit
assurances to the OIG from a responsible official of your employer that any proposal or
report you submit to NSF as a Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI does not contain
plagiarized, falsified or fabricated material.
All certifications and assurances should be submitted in writing to NSF's Office of Inspector
General, Associate Inspector General for Investigations, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
Virginia, 22230.
Page 3
Procedures Governing Appeals
Under NSF's regulations, you have 30 days after receipt of this letter to submit an appeal of this
finding, in writing, to the Director of the Foundation. 45 CFR 689.10(a). Any appeal should be
addressed to the Director at the National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington, Virginia 22230. If we do not receive your appeal within the 30-day period, the
decision on the finding of research misconduct will become fmal.
For your information, we are attaching a copy of the fJu•-u.un- regulations. Should you have
any questions about the foregoing, please Deputy General Counsel, at
(703) 292-8060.
Sincerely,
7~
c.; Fae Korsmo .
Senior Advisor to the Director
Enclosures:
Investigative Report
45 CFR Part 689
Plagiarism (Verbatim)
Published by the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General on 2014-05-21.
Below is a raw (and likely hideous) rendition of the original report. (PDF)