Dear NBER Colleagues -
The NBER is committed to the highest standards of research integrity
and to promoting an inclusive culture that provides fair and equal
opportunity for participation in the economics profession. In keeping
with these goals, in September 2019 our Board of Directors adopted a
code of professional conduct for affiliated researchers and board members:
https://www.nber.org/COI/CodeofConductPolicy0919.pdf.
This code extends beyond participation in NBER conferences and the
conduct of research on grants that are administered at NBER; it
addresses professional conduct more broadly. In considering conduct
issues that are not related to NBER-based activities, the NBER relies on
the determinations of outside deliberative bodies, such as universities
and courts, for guidance. When I write to prospective new affiliates
and invite them to join the NBER, I now ask them to disclose any
findings that concern scientific misconduct or violation of standards of
professional behavior. I also ask for information about on-going
investigations relating to these issues, and explain that some
disclosures could preclude NBER affiliation.
I have not previously asked existing affiliates and board members
for similar disclosures, but today, as we begin our first full academic
year with the new code of professional conduct in place, I am writing
with that request. If any deliberative body, including a college or
university, a grant-making or other agency, or a court, has determined
that you have committed scientific or professional misconduct, including
any form of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation, if a
deliberative body is currently conducting an investigation into
allegations of such activities, or if you have been subject to
disciplinary action by your home institution and are not currently in
good standing, please notify Alterra Milone (alterra_at_nber.org), NBER’s
Director of Research and Grants Management. Disclosures will be
reviewed by the Chair of the NBER’s Board of Directors and by me, and,
if circumstances warrant, by a committee composed of board members and
program directors. Failure to disclose past findings or an ongoing
investigation may be grounds for suspension or termination of NBER
affiliation.
Thank you for your timely attention to this request, which I hope
you will respond to in the coming week. If at any future date a
disclosure becomes appropriate, please notify Alterra Milone promptly.
I appreciate your support of our common objectives, and I look
forward to seeing many of you, virtually, at the Summer Institute in the
next few weeks. All best wishes.
Jim Poterba
Received on Wed Jul 01 2020 - 13:33:05 EDT
