NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS
CLOSEOUT MEMORANDUM
Case Number: A15010001 Page 1of1
Closeout
Our office reviewed three allegations against a PI 1 (Subject) on two NSF Proposals. 2
First, it was alleged that the Subject improperly listed conference paper presentations on his
NSF Biographical Sketches as journal "proceedings" when such proceedings do not exist. Second, it
was alleged that other entries on the Biographical Sketches were fabricated. Third, it was alleged that
non-academic publications were listed on Biographical Sketches in order to inflate the impression of
the Subject's research history for reviewers.
In the first allegation, the Subject admitted that the papers were presented, but not
subsequently published in a proceedings. For the second allegation, the Subject provided acceptable
evidence for every publication in question. For the third, the Subject explained that the items were
listed on the Biographical Sketch because they were relevant to his proposal and he wanted reviewers
to understand his prior experience in the area.
We found that the first allegation had substance, but did not warrant a full investigation. We
concluded the second allegation was unsubstantiated and found the Subject's explanation for the
third reasonable.
We sent the PI a warning letter, cautioning him to avoid imprudent practices and to ensure
fully accurate references, so that interested parties may readily find materials when possible.
This case is closed with no further action taken.
NSF OIG Fonn 2 (11/02)
PI Misconduct
Published by the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General on 2017-03-30.
Below is a raw (and likely hideous) rendition of the original report. (PDF)