Description:
We initiated this inspection to determine the impacts of a scientific integrity incident involving a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) laboratory. The incident specifically concerned accusations of scientific misconduct and data manipulation by a mass spectrometer operator assigned to the Energy Resources Program’s (ERP) Energy Geochemistry Laboratory in Lakewood, CO, in the Energy and Minerals Mission Area. The matter was discovered in late 2014, but had been taking place since 2008. This was the second such incident involving the same laboratory.
The Inorganic Section’s work has implications for ERP’s national and international coal and water quality assessments. Our review revealed that the impacts were far ranging, and included―
• publications that were retracted or delayed because of inaccurate information;
• potential damaged reputations of USGS and individual scientists;
• potential lost collaborations with outside organizations;
• diminished employee morale; and
• reduced public trust of USGS-generated information.
USGS is assessing the full impact of the incident on its research and assessment projects, an undertaking that will take time to complete. In addition, the Bureau has been notifying the affected customers, journals, and other end users, a protracted process that remains incomplete. USGS is pursuing disciplinary actions for the responsible staff.
Our report contains one recommendation.