Report: Management Implication Report: Protecting the Integrity of EPA-Funded Research

Report # 24-N-0058, September 3, 2024

Why We Did This Report

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is issuing this management implication report to address the issue of foreign influence on the EPA’s federally funded research awards, identify concerns regarding an EPA funded researcher that allegedly received overlapping federal funding and foreign support, and propose best practices for strengthening the administration of EPA grant funds, even for entities without foreign support or obligations.
 

Summary of Findings

In May 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General Office of Investigations initiated an investigation into allegations that an EPA-funded researcher may be associated with a Chinese talent recruitment program. Subsequently, the EPA OIG has identified a concern regarding the lack of oversight and controls during the EPA research grant application process and duration of the grant. In July 2023, the OIG initiated an investigation into allegations that a major United States university was allegedly receiving funds from China while simultaneously receiving funds from multiple federal agencies, including the EPA. As explained in further detail in this report, the Chinese government sponsors a malign foreign talent recruitment program which could have placed federal funds in jeopardy or resulted in the unauthorized transfer of intellectual property or other nonpublic information

Report Materials

• Full Report - 24-N-0058 (pdf) (1.37 KB)