The U.S. National Science Foundation Scientific Integrity Policy aims to ensure the integrity of all aspects of the agency's scientific activities, including conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science.
In accordance with other federal regulations and policies, the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy aligns with Executive Order 14303 "Restoring Gold Standard Science."
On this page
Defining scientific integrity
NSF defines scientific integrity as follows:
Scientific integrity is the adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, or communicating about science and scientific activities.
Transparency and protection from inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific integrity. Scientific integrity protects the scientific process, scientific information, scientists, the integrity of agency decisions, and the public.
Who is covered by the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy
The NSF Scientific Integrity Policy applies to NSF federal employees, contractors, "Intergovernmental Personnel Act" (IPA) assignees, political appointees, fellows, trainees, interns, and detailees when they propose, review, or conduct science or communicate about science and scientific activities.
The policy also applies to ad hoc reviewers, volunteers, and special government employees, such as advisory committee members, merit review panelists, and site visitors when they perform scientific activities for NSF.
The above are considered covered individuals for the purposes of the policy.
Proposers and award recipients
Proposers and award recipients are expected to uphold the highest standards for scientific integrity. For more information, refer to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide.
Submitting allegations
Individuals who witness or are aware of a situation that may constitute a failure to adhere to the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy should submit information within six months upon first learning about the incident.
An allegation must be made in good faith, meaning that it is made with a reasonable belief that a loss of scientific integrity may have occurred. An allegation is not in good faith if it is made with reckless disregard for or willful ignorance of facts that would disprove the allegation.
Allegations should be submitted to the NSF Office of Scientific Integrity:
- By email: SIComplaint@nsf.gov
- By mail: U.S. National Science Foundation, Office of Scientific Integrity, Randolph Building, 401 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
An allegation that one or more members of the NSF workforce may have failed to adhere to the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy should include information on:*
- The individuals or groups who are the subject of the allegation.
- The actions that may have failed to adhere to the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy.
- The reasons why it is believed the identified actions may constitute a failure to adhere to the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy.
- The evidence that supports the allegation.
- Any conflicts of interest that may be relevant to the case.
- Whether the allegation has been submitted to other offices at NSF.
- Any other details that may be relevant to the allegation.
*NSF will review anonymous allegations. However, the agency may be unable to update the person who reports an allegation anonymously.
NSF has procedures to handle allegations of a failure to adhere to its Scientific Integrity Policy. The agency will seek to determine whether a loss of scientific integrity has occurred. An allegation outside of the scope of the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy will be referred to relevant agency units or as otherwise appropriate.
Additional information
Research misconduct
The NSF Research Misconduct Regulation (45 C.F.R. part 689) defines research misconduct as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism in proposing or performing research funded by NSF, reviewing research proposals submitted to NSF, or in reporting research results funded by NSF.
Allegations of research misconduct involving NSF, its applicants or awardees, should be reported to the NSF Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG) through the NSF OIG website hotline.
Harassment and discrimination
NSF's Stopping Harassment and Assault page outlines the agency's policies regarding harassment and assault. Allegations of harassment or discrimination involving NSF or its award recipients should be reported to the NSF Office of Civil Rights.
Whistleblower protection
An allegation of whistleblower retaliation can be reported through NSF OIG's Whistleblower Retaliation page or sent to the Office of Special Counsel.
Resources
NSF resources that interconnect with scientific integrity include:
- Conflicts of Interest: Information on NSF's conflict-of-interest policies and guidelines.
- Gold Standard Science: Information on NSF's plans for implementing Gold Standard Science.
- No FEAR Act: Information on the "Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002," which holds federal agencies accountable for antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.
- NSF Merit Review: Information on how NSF ensures that the proposals it receives are reviewed in a fair, competitive, transparent, and in-depth manner.
- Open Government: Highlights of NSF's digital resources focused on enhancing transparency, public participation, and collaboration.
- Research Misconduct: The NSF OIG's page on research misconduct.
- Research Security: Information on NSF's policies and resources related to research security.
- Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research: NSF's policies and other information focused on promoting responsible research.
- Social Media Policies: Information on how NSF uses social media to enhance opportunities for public engagement.
- Whistleblower Retaliation: NSF OIG's page for information on whistleblower retaliation.
Questions or comments?
Questions, concerns, or a request for guidance related to scientific integrity should be directed to the NSF Scientific Integrity Official at sio@nsf.gov or (703) 292-5353.
Comments about the NSF Scientific Integrity Policy or procedures can be sent to scientificintegrity@nsf.gov.