Ohio State University Resolves Allegations of Inappropriate Foreign Affiliations
The Ohio State University has acknowledged issues involving a former researcher’s foreign associations after reaching a $2.1 million settlement to address federal allegations. It was alleged that the university failed to disclose researchers’ connections to China while applying for taxpayer-funded research grants.
The Department of Justice claimed the university did not properly reveal affiliations and financial backing from Chinese universities and state-run research bodies in submissions to NASA and the National Science Foundation from 2012 to 2023. This included a principal investigator’s involvement in China’s Thousand Talents Program.
“Ohio State University uncovered and investigated C.K. Shum’s inappropriate foreign affiliations and self-reported them to NASA and the National Science Foundation,” Benjamin Johnson, communications officer at the university, stated.
The university suspended C.K. Shum’s research privileges, stopped spending on related federal grants, began disciplinary actions, and returned the federal grant funds. Shum is no longer with the university. Throughout the investigation, Ohio State cooperated with federal authorities.
Ohio State emphasized its commitment to national security, outlining its measures to ensure research integrity. These include specialized research compliance offices, mandatory conflict-of-interest disclosures, and security training programs.
The Department of Justice press release noted the necessity for Ohio State to disclose any foreign government ties in grant applications. Allegations indicated that since 2014, Ohio State employees with connections to Chinese universities and research organizations, did not report these affiliations to NASA or the NSF as required.
Ohio State reportedly learned in 2019 about a researcher involved with NASA-funded work also participating in China’s Thousand Talents Program, but only informed NASA and the NSF in 2023. The federal government views this program as an effort by Beijing to attract expertise and intellectual property globally. The DOJ identified other university employees linked to grants who held relationships or received funding from Chinese entities.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate stated, “American universities benefiting from federal support must fully disclose all foreign funding in their grant applications.” He emphasized accountability for any university not adhering to disclosure requirements meant to safeguard research security.
Rachel del Guidice, a culture reporter for Fox News, covers topics at the intersection of politics, faith, family, and American culture.