Other News
New NSF Requirements Related to Research Integrity
In their 2023 Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide, the National Science Foundation has enacted multiple new policies that relate to research integrity. The agency has updated their Conflict of Interest policy and has made a significant change to the applicability of the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research training requirement.
Conflict of Interest
The definition of a Significant Financial Interest has been revised and is effective January 30, 2023. As a brief reminder, individuals responsible for the design, conduct, or reporting of proposed or awarded NSF-funded research are required to disclose certain information about potential or actual conflicts of interest to the university. NSF uses the term Significant Financial Interest to define reportable interests.
NSF has updated two sections of their definition of a Significant Financial Interest.
- In the section on equity interests, “private equity” has been added as an additional example.
- “Venture or other capital financing” has been added to the list of reportable interests.
Once the National Science Foundation has provided guidance on interpreting these changes, our office will update our website and ORCOI, as necessary.
Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research
The National Science Foundation considers the responsible and ethical conduct of research to be critical for the science and engineering research it supports. NSF has updated the requirements for training in the responsible and ethical conduct of research, which go into effect on July 31, 2023.
Significant changes to NSF’s requirements include:
- Faculty and other Senior Personnel supported by NSF to conduct research are now required to complete this training; and
- Training topics must now include mentor training and mentorship.