[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 45, Volume 3]

[Revised as of October 1, 2005]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 45CFR689.4]



[Page 251-252]

 

                        TITLE 45--PUBLIC WELFARE

 

                 CHAPTER VI--NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

 

PART 689_RESEARCH MISCONDUCT--Table of Contents

 

Sec. 689.4  Role of awardee institutions.



    (a) Awardee institutions bear primary responsibility for prevention 

and detection of research misconduct and for the inquiry, investigation, 

and adjudication of alleged research misconduct. In most instances, NSF 

will rely on awardee institutions to promptly:

    (1) Initiate an inquiry into any suspected or alleged research 

misconduct;

    (2) Conduct a subsequent investigation, if warranted;

    (3) Take action necessary to ensure the integrity of research, the 

rights and interests of research subjects and the public, and the 

observance of legal requirements or responsibilities; and



[[Page 252]]



    (4) Provide appropriate safeguards for subjects of allegations as 

well as informants.

    (b) If an institution wishes NSF to defer independent inquiry or 

investigation, it should:

    (1) Complete any inquiry and decide whether an investigation is 

warranted within 90 days. If completion of an inquiry is delayed, but 

the institution wishes NSF deferral to continue, NSF may require 

submission of periodic status reports.

    (2) Inform OIG immediately if an initial inquiry supports a formal 

investigation.

    (3) Keep OIG informed during such an investigation.

    (4) Complete any investigation and reach a disposition within 180 

days. If completion of an investigation is delayed, but the institution 

wishes NSF deferral to continue, NSF may require submission of periodic 

status reports.

    (5) Provide OIG with the final report from any investigation.

    (c) NSF expects institutions to promptly notify OIG should the 

institution become aware during an inquiry or investigation that:

    (1) Public health or safety is at risk;

    (2) NSF's resources, reputation, or other interests need protecting;

    (3) There is reasonable indication of possible violations of civil 

or criminal law;

    (4) Research activities should be suspended;

    (5) Federal action may be needed to protect the interests of a 

subject of the investigation or of others potentially affected; or

    (6) The scientific community or the public should be informed.

    (d) Awardee institutions should maintain and effectively communicate 

to their staffs appropriate policies and procedures relating to research 

misconduct, which should indicate when NSF should be notified.