Research Foundation Pays $313,574 To Resolve Claims That University Research Scientist Failed To Disclose Foreign Support

ALBANY, NEW YORK - The Research Foundation of the State University of New York (RFSUNY) has paid $313,574 to resolve civil allegations that a research scientist at the State University of University at Albany (UAlbany) failed to disclose his affiliations with and support from a foreign government in connection with federal research funding.

The settlement relates to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States Department of Commerce (NOAA) grants and research support agreements that provided funding to UAlbany. In the funding application process, NASA and NOAA require disclosure of, among other things, foreign government support received by any principal investigator (PI) on the grant or agreement. The settlement resolves allegations that Research Scientist Dr. Qilong Min failed to disclose his affiliations with and/or funding from the People's Republic of China (PRC) in connection with Min's work as PI on three federal research grants from which RFSUNY received funding (the Subject Grants). In particular, UAlbany's Dr. Min did not disclose that he was receiving funding from PRC during the period of the Subject Grants in connection with: (i) Min's employment with Wuhan University, a public university in China; (ii)Min's participation in a Chinese Talent Plan, a program established by the PRC to recruit individuals with knowledge or access to foreign technology intellectual property; and (iii) grants that funded Min's research efforts for projects in China from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other Chinese funding sources. During the United States' investigation, UAlbany terminated Dr. Min's employment.

"Universities, institutions and researchers are required to make certain disclosures when applying for federal grants so that the government can assess whether to fund their research and development," said United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman. "My office will hold accountable applicants who undermine the integrity of the grant process by knowingly failing to submit complete and truthful applications."

"This settlement demonstrates NASA OIG's commitment to identifying and holding accountable those who engage in deliberate concealment of affiliations with foreign entities to illegally obtain research funding," said Adelle K. Harris, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Field Office, NASA Office of Inspector General. "I am proud of the exceptional teamwork of our law enforcement partners and the USAO for the Northern District of New York that resulted in securing this settlement and ensuring aggressive oversight of taxpayer funds awarded for academic research."

"The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of Inspector General is determined to protect the integrity of NOAA programs and grant funding," said Eric Arcand, Special Agent in Charge, DOC Office of Inspector General. "Failure to comply with level of effort reporting requirements when working on NOAA-funded research projects undermines the trust placed in those receiving federal grant funds. We greatly appreciate the efforts by the U.S. Attorney's Office and our federal law enforcement partners in investigating and resolving this matter."

This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John D. Hoggan, Jr., with substantial assistance from DOC OIG and NASA OIG.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.