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Harassment Reporting by NIH Recipients: What, How, Who, When, Where, and Why
We remain committed to ensuring safe, respectful, and harassment-free research environments wherever NIH-supported research is conducted.
NIH grant recipients, through their institution’s leadership, faculty, and Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs), are essential for sustaining this commitment. If allegations of harassment or a hostile working environment arise that affect an NIH-supported project, your timely action to address the matter and your communication and transparency with NIH officials are critical to protect the safety and welfare of all those involved.
What: Reminders to grant recipients about reporting avenues and requirements to support safe and respectful work environments that are free from harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, or other forms of inappropriate conduct that can result in a hostile work environment.
How: AORs and institutions can integrate harassment prevention and response efforts into your grant management and oversight processes to ensure research continuity, transparency, and protection of all personnel involved.
Who: AORs at the recipient organization are responsible for overseeing all Senior/Key personnel identified on the Notice of Award. We expect recipients to:
- Maintain robust policies, systems, and procedures that promote a workplace free of harassment, bullying, retaliation, and hostile working conditions.
- Ensure NIH-funded research is conducted in accordance with NIH standards.
- Comply with all applicable federal laws and regulations protecting individuals working on NIH-supported projects.
When: Notifications must be made within 30 days after a Senior/Key personnel named in a Notice of Award is removed from their position or is otherwise disciplined when the action relates to concerns involving harassment, bullying, retaliation, or hostile work environment. This reporting requirement applies regardless of whether the matter is ongoing or fully resolved.
Where: Use our Web Form for AORs or Individuals or email [email protected]. At a minimum, notifications should include:
- Name of the AOR or summitting faculty leadership.
- Name of the individual of concern.
- Description of concerns.
- Actions taken by the institution (if known).
- Any anticipated impact on the NIH-funded award (if known).
Why: To enable NIH to take timely and appropriate action that safeguards research personnel, eliminates harassment and hostile work environments, and preserves the integrity and responsible stewardship of NIH-funded projects.
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