The Ohio State University recently acknowledged an issue related to a former researcher’s connections abroad after resolving federal allegations with a $2.1 million settlement. The allegations concerned the university’s failure to disclose researchers’ ties to China while obtaining taxpayer-funded research grants.
According to the Justice Department, Ohio State failed to reveal affiliations and financial backing tied to Chinese universities and state-run research organizations. These nondisclosures occurred in applications and reports submitted to NASA and the National Science Foundation from 2012 to 2023. A specific mention was made regarding a principal investigator’s involvement in China’s Thousand Talents Program.
“Ohio State uncovered and investigated C.K. Shum’s inappropriate foreign affiliations and self-reported them to NASA and the National Science Foundation,” stated Benjamin Johnson, chief communications officer at The Ohio State University.
Johnson added that Shum’s privileges as principal investigator were suspended, spending on relevant federal awards was halted, disciplinary action was initiated, and the federal grant funds in question were repaid. Shum has since left the university, which cooperated with federal authorities throughout the investigation.
Ohio State emphasizes its commitment to national security and has been recognized for efforts in promoting research integrity and security. Protocols include research compliance and secure offices, obligatory conflict-of-interest disclosures, and foreign influence training programs.
The Justice Department issued a press release detailing the settlement. It resolved allegations of Ohio State’s nondisclosure of collaboration and affiliation with Chinese entities by personnel engaged in NASA and NSF grants. This omission was particularly evident, as Faculty Activity Reports submitted since 2014 identified such affiliations but did not report them to NASA or NSF.
In 2019, Ohio State recognized that a researcher linked to NASA-funded work was part of China’s Thousand Talents Program. However, notification to NASA and the National Science Foundation was delayed until 2023. The federal government describes the program as an effort by Beijing to attract individuals with specialized expertise and intellectual property access from abroad.
The DOJ further discovered additional Ohio State researchers involved in the grants had connections with Chinese entities or received Chinese funding.
“American universities that benefit from the federal government’s support for scientific research and advancement must fully disclose all foreign funding in their grant applications,” asserted Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
Ensuring transparency in disclosing foreign funding remains crucial to protecting the integrity of federally-supported research and scientific progress.
Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ for comments. Rachel del Guidice reports on culture for Fox News, exploring the intersections of politics, faith, family, and American culture.