We have written extensively about how we defend scientists, professors, and students accused of research misconduct on federally funded projects at universities. Academic institutions that receive federal research funding have a long-standing obligation to ensure their projects are conducted with fidelity and scientific integrity. When challenged, researchers must defend allegations of fabrication, falsification, or plagiaries in proposing, performing, reviewing or reporting research.
It can be quite daunting for scientists to have to dig up research and justify the integrity of prior work. When there are errors, these researchers can assert that those errors were the result of “honest errors.” Fortunately, our attorneys have successfully guided university professors, researchers, and graduate students through this process, which can be both stressful and time-consuming.
The Executive Order on “Restoring Gold Standard Science”
On May 27, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order on “Restoring Gold Standard Science.” The stated purpose is to ensure that federally funded research is “transparent, rigorous, and impactful” and that government decisions rely on the most credible and impartial scientific evidence available.
The Executive Order defines Gold Standard Science as research that is:
- Reproducible
- Transparent
- Open about error and uncertainty
- Collaborative and interdisciplinary
- Skeptical of findings and assumptions
- Structured for falsifiability of hypotheses
- Subject to unbiased peer review
- Accepting of negative results as meaningful outcomes
- Free from conflicts of interest
Guidance from the Office of Science and Technology further elaborates on how federal agencies should implement these standards. While the Order introduces a new framework for agencies, it does not directly change how universities investigate research misconduct cases.
Impact on Universities and Misconduct Investigations
As of now, it remains unclear whether these additional standards will alter how universities will handle allegations of research misconduct. Upon review of the Executive Order, it did not appear that universities had to add to or alter the standards upon which federally funded research within colleges are addressed when confronting research misconduct allegations.
Based on our experience handling Title IX investigations and other administrative matters, any substantial changes to how colleges conduct misconduct hearings would need to come through the formal rulemaking process under the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires a notice-and-comment period—not simply through an Executive Order.
Anticipated Rise in Research Misconduct Allegations
Regardless, we anticipate an increase in scientific misconduct cases against researchers. Allegations of scientific research misconduct are serious and can derail a scientist’s career.
