Failure to account for research funds finds university in trouble

Publisher
US Department of Justice
Date published
August 2015

Relevant impacts: Financial impact, government outcomes impact and reputational impact

A US University allegedly failed to properly account for federal research funds that it received from the National Science Foundation.

It was alleged that the university repeatedly approved and disbursed numerous advances and other payments of the funds to the researcher's accounts without proper reasoning and checks. It was also alleged that there were significant accounting problems with the funds paid and some funds were used to pay the researcher's personal expenses.

The university agreed to pay back $2.7 million. They were also required to submit a 5-year compliance agreement to make sure that proper oversight and safeguards are in place for future research awards.

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The Reckless

The Reckless acts without care, responsibility or regard to the consequences of their actions by disregarding requirements, procedures, warnings or directions to gain personal benefits.

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Governance, accountability and oversight

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