The Ohio State University has acknowledged “inappropriate foreign affiliations” by a former researcher following a $2.1 million settlement regarding federal claims. These allegations stated that the university did not disclose researchers’ connections to China when applying for taxpayer-funded research grants.
The U.S. Department of Justice claimed Ohio State failed to divulge affiliations and financial relationships with Chinese universities and state-operated research groups in submissions to NASA and the National Science Foundation between 2012 and 2023. This includes a principal investigator’s involvement with China’s Thousand Talents Program.
Ohio State shared in a statement to Fox News Digital that they self-identified the foreign affiliations of C.K. Shum, leading to an investigation and reports to federal authorities. Shum is no longer with the university.
Ohio State University’s sign on the Columbus, Ohio campus, November 23, 2024. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Benjamin Johnson, chief communications officer at Ohio State, said, “Ohio State uncovered and investigated C.K. Shum’s inappropriate foreign affiliations and self-reported them to NASA and the National Science Foundation.” Johnson added that Ohio State halted funding related to the federal awards, started disciplinary actions, and reimbursed the questioned federal grant funds. Shum’s principal investigator privileges were also suspended.
Ohio State emphasizes its commitment to national security and objective research integrity. The university maintains safeguards such as research compliance offices, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and foreign influence training programs.
The U.S. Department of Justice building, Washington, D.C., August 17, 2026. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
The Department of Justice explained that the grant applications required Ohio State University to disclose any foreign ties. The settlement addresses accusations that since 2014, Ohio State failed to report affiliations visible in Faculty Activity Reports related to NASA and NSF grants.
The department noted Ohio State recognized in 2019 that a NASA project researcher participated in China’s Thousand Talents Program yet informed NASA and NSF only in 2023. This program, backed by Beijing, aims to lure individuals with technology and intellectual property expertise. The DOJ discovered other grants-linked Ohio State staff had connections with Chinese entities.
The DOJ continues to ensure that universities disclose all foreign funding when seeking federal support for scientific research. Brett Shumate, assistant attorney general of the Civil Division, remarked that universities benefiting from federal aid must comply with these disclosure standards to secure research security and scientific endeavors.
Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ for further comments. Rachel del Guidice of Fox News reports on politics, faith, family, and American culture.
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