The U.S. government is considering a change proposed by the federal Office of Research Integrity (ORI) that would make university investigations of research misconduct more transparent. This change would involve publicizing findings that would otherwise be kept confidential by institutions. Advocates of transparency believe that this move would increase public confidence in research and help correct the scientific record more swiftly.
Many university administrators, however, have reservations about this proposal. They are concerned that the information released could violate privacy laws or distort the actual findings. They also question the legal basis for ORI publicizing the findings of another organization.
Currently, ORI monitors the conduct of scientists funded by agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services. Institutions are required to notify ORI if they find misconduct and take corrective action. ORI can then initiate its own investigation and disclose the findings if necessary. The proposed change would give ORI the option to simply announce what an institution has done regarding the misconduct.
Some believe that this new authority would incentivize universities to make their findings public. The proposed changes by ORI also include giving universities less time to pursue allegations, requiring more record-keeping, and preventing institutions from quickly closing cases due to “honest error.”
The disclosure provision has sparked strong reactions. ORI’s notice states that institutional findings would only be disclosed to protect the public’s health and safety or to conserve public funds. It promises not to disclose the names or identifying information of the individuals involved.
While some research administrators see value in disclosure, others worry about losing control over institutional products and the potential mischaracterization of findings. They also fear that the released information could indirectly identify those involved and harm the reputations of individuals not implicated in the misconduct.
ORI’s director, Sheila Garrity, has welcomed feedback on the proposed changes, and interested parties have until January 4, 2024, to submit comments. Some hope that enough pushback from colleagues will lead ORI to revise the language before finalizing the rules.