oversight

                                                       NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
                                                        OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
                                                          OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS

                                               CLOSEOUT MEMORANDUM

Case Number: A14060027                                                                         Page 1of1



                 NSF OIG received an allegation that a PI (Subject) 1 copied text without adequate
         attribution in two declined NSF proposals (Proposal 12 and Proposal 2) without adequate
         attribution. In Proposal 1, part of the work the Subject proposed integrated text copied from the
         goal of another scholar's study; while, in Proposal 2, a substantive portion of the methodology
         contained copied text. The Subject's response to our inquiry did not dispel the allegation and we
         referred the matter to his University. 3

                 The University's investigation concluded, based on a preponderance of the evidence, that,
         although the Subject's act was a significant departure from accepted practices, the Subject did
         not commit research misconduct because he acted carelessly. The University required that the
         Subject take or teach a responsible conduct of research course, and use proper citation practices
         in his writings.

                 We adopted most of the University's findings, but concluded the Subject acted recklessly.
         Based on our report, NSF made a finding of research misconduct against the Subject; sent the
         Subject a letter of reprimand: 4 required that the Subject provide certifications5 and assurances 6 to
         NSF for two years with any proposal or report he submits to NSF; and required that the Subject
         certify compliance with the requirements imposed by his University. The Subject appealed the
         determination, but his appeal was denied.

                   Accordingly, this case is closed.




NSF OIG Form 2 (11/02)