Ohio State University Settles for $2.1 Million Over Undisclosed Chinese Ties

The Ohio State University has acknowledged inappropriate foreign affiliations by a former researcher, leading to a $2.1 million settlement. The resolution addresses federal allegations of the university failing to disclose researchers’ connections to China while obtaining taxpayer-funded research grants.

The Justice Department claimed Ohio State did not properly disclose affiliations and financial backing from Chinese universities and state-run research organizations in applications and reports submitted to NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2012 to 2023. These allegations centered on a principal investigator’s involvement in China’s Thousand Talents Program.

The university revealed that it investigated C.K. Shum’s foreign affiliations and reported them to federal authorities. Shum is no longer with the university. Benjamin Johnson, chief communications officer at Ohio State University, stated that they self-reported the affiliations to NASA and NSF. Shum’s privileges as principal investigator were suspended, spending on relevant federal awards was halted, and disciplinary proceedings were initiated.

“Ohio State takes national security seriously and is recognized for its efforts to ensure research integrity and security. Safeguards include dedicated research compliance and secure research offices,” Johnson stated.

The Department of Justice noted that grant applications required Ohio State to disclose ties to any foreign government. The settlement resolves the allegations that Ohio State failed to communicate collaborations and affiliations with or funding received from the Chinese government by some employees working on NASA and NSF grants. Specifically, it mentions OSU not sharing affiliations with Chinese entities identified since 2014.

In 2019, Ohio State became aware of a researcher involved in NASA-funded work also participating in China’s Thousand Talents Program but delayed informing NASA and NSF until 2023. The program is described as a Beijing-backed initiative to attract people with expertise in or access to overseas technology.

The DOJ found other employees at OSU connected to grants with ties to Chinese entities or funding. Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, emphasized the need for full disclosure of foreign funding in grant applications from American universities.