Academic research depends on integrity and transparency. Yet pressures to publish, secure funding, and achieve recognition can foster misconduct or regulatory violations—and those who expose wrongdoing may face retaliation.
This course delivers a deep, practical understanding of U.S. whistleblower protection frameworks as they apply to the academic research environment.
Participants will explore federal and state laws (e.g., Whistleblower Protection Act, False Claims Act, Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank, 42 C.F.R. Part 93 for research misconduct, NIH/NSF grant regulations), institutional obligations, and best practices for creating a culture of safety and transparency.
Real-world case studies illustrate how to report concerns, investigate allegations, and protect whistleblowers from retaliation—while balancing fairness to respondents and safeguarding institutional reputation.
The course is designed for research administrators, compliance officers, principal investigators, university counsel, human resource professionals, and faculty leaders who must navigate the delicate intersection of legal compliance, ethics, and academic freedom.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
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Identify and interpret key federal and state whistleblower protection laws relevant to academic research, grants, and federally funded projects.
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Understand protected activities and disclosure obligations, including reporting research misconduct, financial fraud, and regulatory violations.
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Design and implement institutional policies and reporting mechanisms that meet federal requirements and foster a culture of openness and safety.
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Manage investigations and disciplinary processes in a way that protects whistleblowers, ensures due process, and preserves confidentiality.
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Anticipate and respond to retaliation claims and external investigations (e.g., by the Office of Research Integrity, NSF OIG, or DOJ).
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Address emerging challenges, including international collaborations, remote research environments, and AI-assisted misconduct detection.
