Notice2026-18937
Proposed Collection; 60-Day Comment Request; NIH Intramural Reporting of Research Misconduct (IRRM) Web Form (Office of the Director/Office of Intramural Research)
Primary source
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Published
September 16, 2026
Effective
November 16, 2026
Issuing agencies
Health and Human Services DepartmentNational Institutes of Health
Abstract
The NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) relies on a trustworthy research record to sustain public confidence and advance public health. NIH maintains procedures in compliance with NIH policy and 42 CFR part 93 to evaluate allegations of research misconduct, including falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism, through a fair, consistent, and peer-informed process. The proposed web-based reporting form will help the Agency Intramural Research Integrity Officer (AIRIO) receive sufficient information needed to assess concerns and determine appropriate next steps. Reports may be submitted anonymously, with optional contact information for follow-up. Concerns may also be reported in person, by telephone, or by email.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 178 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 178 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58691-58692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-18937]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
National Institutes of Health
Proposed Collection; 60-Day Comment Request; NIH Intramural
Reporting of Research Misconduct (IRRM) Web Form (Office of the
Director/Office of Intramural Research)
AGENCY: National Institutes of Health, HHS.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: The NIH Intramural Research Program (IRP) relies on a
trustworthy research record to sustain public confidence and advance
public health. NIH maintains procedures in compliance with NIH policy
and 42 CFR part 93 to evaluate allegations of research misconduct,
including falsification, fabrication, and plagiarism, through a fair,
consistent, and peer-informed process. The proposed web-based reporting
form will help the Agency Intramural Research Integrity Officer (AIRIO)
receive sufficient information needed to assess concerns and determine
appropriate next steps. Reports may be submitted anonymously, with
optional contact information for follow-up. Concerns may also be
reported in person, by telephone, or by email.
DATES: Comments regarding this information collection are best assured
of having their full effect if received by November 16, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To obtain a copy of the data
collection plans and instruments, submit comments in writing, or
request more information on the proposed project, contact: Dr. Kathryn
Partin, Director of Research Integrity, Agency Intramural Research
Integrity Officer (AIRIO), Office of Intramural Research (OIR), Office
of the Director (OD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 1 Center
Drive, Bldg. 1, Room 154, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892 or call non-toll-
free number (301) 451-7764 or Email your request, including your
address to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b2a223922242b040f45050203450c041d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="36777f647f7976595218585f5e18515940">[email protected]</span></a>. Formal requests for additional plans and
instruments must be requested in writing.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A), written comments and/or
suggestions from the public and affected agencies are invited to
address one or more of the following points: (1) Whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the function of the agency, including whether the information will have
practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Proposed Collection Title: NIH Intramural Reporting of Research
Misconduct (IRRM) Web Form, Office of Intramural Research (OIR), Office
of the Director (OD), National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Need and Use of Information Collection: NIH Intramural Research
Program scientists are expected to uphold the highest standards of
research integrity, and NIH takes allegations of research misconduct
seriously. Consistent with NIH policy and 42 CFR part 93, the proposed
web-based reporting form supports NIH's responsibility to evaluate such
concerns fairly and effectively. The secure, standardized form
facilitates submission of allegations, helps protect sensitive
information regardless of reporting method, and enables the Agency
Intramural Research Integrity Officer (AIRIO) to assess concerns and
take appropriate action. It also supports efforts to preserve relevant
research records, protect research personnel, and, when requested and
permitted, safeguard the complainant's identity appropriately.
Upon receipt of a report submitted through the IRRM Form, the
Agency Intramural Research Integrity Officer (AIRIO) will promptly
assess whether the allegation falls within the definition of research
misconduct under PHS regulations and NIH policy, meets jurisdictional
requirements, and provides sufficiently credible and specific
information so that potential evidence of research misconduct may be
identified. If these criteria are met, the matter may proceed to an
inquiry. If not, the AIRIO will document the assessment for possible
later review. All information collected through the form will be
maintained and protected in accordance with PHS regulations, NIH
policy, and confidentiality requirements and applicable federal records
standards.
The NIH IRRM Web Form permits anonymous reporting. Complainants are
not required to provide personally identifiable information. The form
does not require a Complainant's name or other direct identifiers in
order for NIH to assess a report. If a Complainant chooses to provide
limited contact information, such as a first name or telephone number,
that information will be used only for follow-up purposes if NIH needs
additional information to assess the allegation. Any voluntarily
provided contact information will be protected and maintained
confidentially to the extent permitted by law and will be disclosed
only as described above.
OMB approval is requested for 3 years. There are no costs to
respondents
[[Page 58692]]
other than their time. The total estimated annualized burden hours are
4.
Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
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Number of
Type of respondent Number of responses per Average time per response Total annual
respondents respondent (in hours) burden hour
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NIH IRP staff....................... 16 1 15/60(15 min/respondent).. 4
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Total........................... 16 1 .......................... 4
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Dated: September 11, 2026.
Kathryn Partin,
Director of Research Integrity, Office of Intramural Research, National
Institutes of Health.
[FR Doc. 2026-18937 Filed 9-15-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4167-05-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on September 16, 2026.
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