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Scientific Integrity

Submitting Allegations

How to submit an allegation of scientific or research misconduct and overview of allegation review process.

How to File an Allegation

The specific actions for which an allegation of scientific or research misconduct may be filed are fabrication, falsification, plagiarism and interference with the communication of scientific work. The chart below provides a broad overview of the process. There are many details involved in this important process.

You’re encouraged (but not required) to contact the NOAA Scientific Integrity Officer or your designated Line Office Scientific Integrity representative for a pre-allegation consultation to discuss concerns prior to submitting an allegation. Please review the Procedural Handbook before filing an allegation to understand the process and the information to provide. To file an allegation please email research.misconduct@noaa.gov.

All pre-allegation consultations and submitted allegations are treated as confidential.

NOAA protects those who uncover and report allegations of scientific and research misconduct, as well as those accused of scientific and research misconduct in the absence of a finding of misconduct, from prohibited personnel practices [as defined in 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b), as amended by the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012)]

Pre Allegation

Contact the NOAA Scientific Integrity Officer (SIO) or your Line Office SIO to set up a pre-allegation meeting. Present your concerns and these individuals may explain the policy and help you determine if you may have enough evidence for an allegation. (Optional)

Allegation

The formal allegation is to be filed at research.misconduct@noaa.gov or mailed to: Julie Carruthers, NOAA Office of the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations, DSRC, 325 Broadway St. Boulder, CO 80305

Assessment

Scientific Integrity Officer reviews the allegation in consultation with the NOAA Office of General Counsel and others, as appropriate. Allegations that fall within definition of scientific or research misconduct and is sufficiently credible and specific so that evidence may be identified will be referred to inquiry.

Inquiry

The Inquiry Team collects any evidence necessary to evaluate the merits of the allegation and determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with an investigation, or if there is insufficient evidence and the allegation should be dismissed.

Investigation

An Integrity Review Panel is convened to review the results of the inquiry, collect additional evidence and determine if there are sufficient findings to support the allegation, or if it should be dismissed.

Final Determination

At the end of either the inquiry or the investigation process, findings and recommendations are transmitted to the Determination Official in a report for a final decision. The Determination Official is the Deputy Under Secretary for Operations or his/her designee.