Share thisUSDA Final Policy on Research Misconduct for Extramural Research
On 13 August 2010, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer established USDA regulations implementing the Federal Policy on Research Misconduct applicable to extramural research first proposed in November 2008 (73 FR 70915). This regulation defines research misconduct, establishes basic USDA requirements for the conduct of fair and timely investigations of alleged or suspected infractions, and includes instructions on USDA administrative actions when research misconduct is found.
In this rule, the USDA implements permanently the 2000 policy of the National Science and Technology Council, Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) of the Executive Office of the President on Research Misconduct as a final, government- wide policy on research misconduct.
The purpose of the policy was to establish for Federal agencies uniform definitions of research misconduct, and consistent processes for responding to allegations of misconduct in research. The OSTP Policy covers both intramural research and extramural research.
USDA agencies that conduct or support extramural research are expected to either “(1) Establish procedures to foster integrity in research activities, respond to allegations of research misconduct, and remedy findings of research misconduct, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, the OSTP Policy, and this proposed regulation; or (2) initiate and sign a standing Memorandum of Understanding between the agency and Research Education and Economics mission area to have another USDA agency act on its behalf in lieu of developing its own research misconduct procedures.”
Federal Register. Vol. 75, No. 156. Rules and Regulations. August 13, 2010. PDF format http://69.175.53.6/register/2010/aug/13/2010-20109.pdf. HTML Format: http://tinyurl.com/research-misconduct
NIH Reports on the Care of Chimpanzees in PHS-Funded Institutions
On 6 August 2010, the NIH released the findings of its site visits to institutions that receive funds from the NIH to study and maintain chimpanzees, in order to a) determine whether the care of chimpanzees by these institutions complied with their Animal Welfare Assurances with OLAW, and b) evaluate the social housing, husbandry, enrichment, veterinary care, and training practices for chimpanzees in these institutions.
The following lists NIH findings, recommendations for enhancing the care and well being of chimpanzees and other nonhuman primates in PHS-funded institutions, and resources on social housing and positive reinforcement training of these and other nonhuman primates.