The National Science Foundation (NSF) anticipates mandating all organizations to appropriately and promptly notify NSF when there is a finding of sexual harassment against an NSF-funded principle investigator (PI) or co-principle investigator (co-PI). NSF is currently undergoing the Federal Register process to update this policy as stated below:

OVERVIEW

The Principal investigator (PI), and any co-PI(s) identified on an NSF award are in a position of trust. These individuals must comport themselves in a responsible and accountable manner during the performance of award activities whether at the awardee institution, on-line, or conducted outside the organization, such as at field sites, facilities, or conferences/workshops. The awardee is required to notify NSF: (1) of any findings/determinations regarding the PI or any co-PI that demonstrate a violation of awardee codes of conduct, policies, regulations or statutes relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault; and (2) if the awardee places the PI, or any co-PI on administrative leave relating to a finding or investigation of a violation of awardee codes of conduct, policies, regulations or statutes relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault. Such notification must be submitted by the Authorized Organization Representative via email to NSF's Office of Equity and Civil Rights at: harassmentnotifications@nsf.gov within seven business days from the date of the finding/determination or the awardee's placement of the PI or co-PI on administrative leave. Each notification must include the following information:

• NSF Award Number
• Name of PI/or co-PI being reported:
• Type of Report: Select
• Finding/Determination that the reported individual has been found to have violated awardee codes of conduct, policies, regulations or statutes relating to sexual harassment, or other form of harassment, or sexual assault; or
• Placement by the awardee of the reported individual on administrative leave relating to a finding or investigation of a violation of awardee codes of conduct, policies, regulations or statutes relating to sexual harassment, or other form of harassment, or sexual assault.
• Description of the finding/determination and action taken, if any.
• Reason(s) for, and conditions of, placement of the PI or any co-PI on administrative leave.
• Plan for continued oversight and implementation of the project during the administrative leave period of the reported PI or co-PI.

The awardee may at any time propose a substitute investigator if it determines the PI or any co-PI may not be able to carry out the project or activity and/or abide by award terms and conditions.

Other personnel supported by an NSF award must likewise remain in full compliance with awardee codes of conduct, policies, regulations and statutes relating to sexual harassment, other forms of harassment, or sexual assault. With regard to any personnel not in compliance, the awardee must make appropriate arrangements to ensure the safety of other award personnel and the continued progress of the funded project.

Taking into account the seriousness of the violation(s) and the importance of maintaining the safety of personnel supported by an NSF award, the Foundation may take unilateral action, as appropriate, to require the substitution or removal of the PI or any co-PI, suspension or termination of the award, or a reduction in the award funding amount.

REPORT

While undergoing the Federal Register process, organizations are welcome to voluntarily report when a PI or co-PI is placed on administrative leave. Additionally, reports or findings of harassment, by anyone, are welcome.

To report findings of harassment please email programcomplaints@nsf.gov.