Office of Investigations

Peggy L. Fischer
Associate Inspector General for Investigations

The Office of Investigations assesses and investigates allegations of wrongdoing, and develops and coordinates our outreach efforts. Our outreach efforts are essential to building partnerships within the agency, with other federal agencies, NSF awardees, and scientific communities. These partnerships assist us in promoting education on ethical issues and resolving integrity and efficiency matters effectively.

We investigate allegations of wrongdoing involving organizations or individuals that receive awards from, conduct business with, or work for, NSF. In investigating these allegations we assess their seriousness and recommend proportionate action. When possible, we work in partnership with agencies and awardees to resolve these issues. When appropriate, the results of these investigations are referred to the Department of Justice or other prosecutorial authorities for criminal prosecution or civil litigation, or to NSF management for administrative resolution.

Our criminal and civil investigative resources focus on allegations of intentional diversion of NSF funds and material false statements in information submitted to the Foundation. Intentional diversion of NSF funds for personal use is a criminal act, which can be prosecuted under several statutes. Investigating these allegations is a priority for our office. We encourage awardees to notify NSF of any significant problems relating to the misuse of NSF funds, because it significantly increases our ability to conduct investigations and possibly recover funds for NSF.

Our administrative cases include those addressing allegations of research misconduct such as falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism. Research misconduct strikes at the core of NSF's mission, and is a special concern for our office.