The National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent and objective oversight authority established in 1989, in compliance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, as amended. The Inspector General reports directly to the National Science Board and Congress.
We are organized into four offices with varied responsibilities: the Immediate office (Executive office and Counsel), Office of Audits, Office of Investigations, and Office of Management.
What We Do
Our mission is to provide independent oversight of the National Science Foundation to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of its programs and operations and to prevent and detect fraud, waste, and abuse.
- We share our findings and make recommendations to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and economy.
- We prevent and detect fraud, waste, abuse, and whistleblower reprisal within NSF or by individuals who receive NSF funding.
- We investigate allegations of research misconduct.
- We keep NSF, the National Science Board, and Congress fully informed of our findings and recommendations, as well as the agency's progress in implementing corrective action.
Want to learn more? View our fact sheets.
How You Can Help
Anyone can report matters of concern related to NSF programs and operations to us through our hotline. Examples of complaints include violations of laws, rules, or regulations; mismanagement; and research misconduct.