Ohio State University (OSU) has agreed to pay $2.1 million to settle allegations from the federal government regarding undisclosed foreign affiliations. The claims involve a former researcher who did not properly disclose his ties to China while receiving taxpayer-funded research grants.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that OSU failed to inform federal agencies, specifically NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF), about foreign affiliations of its researchers from 2012 to 2023.
The main concern centered around C.K. Shum, a former earth science professor, who was associated with China's Thousand Talents Program, which aims to attract expertise and technology from abroad.
OSU stated it discovered Shum's affiliations, investigated them, and self-reported to the respective federal authorities. Shum is no longer with the university.
Following awareness of Shum’s connections in 2019, OSU unilaterally implemented actions, such as halting spending on specific federal grants and initiating disciplinary measures against Shum.
The university argued its commitment to national security and research integrity, citing established compliance measures and training for researchers.
It was revealed that other employees of OSU had similar affiliations with Chinese entities, which were not disclosed in grant applications as required.
The DOJ emphasized the importance of full disclosure from universities that rely on federal support for scientific research to maintain research security.
Ohio State University has taken steps to resolve significant allegations regarding non-disclosure of foreign affiliations by paying a $2.1 million settlement. This case highlights the broader expectations of transparency required from American universities concerning foreign funding in federally supported research.
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