NSF Safe and Inclusive Work Environment for Off-campus and Off-Site Research Activities

The mission of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is to improve the human condition and serve the public good of Maryland and society at large through education, research, clinical care, and service. At the heart of this mission are the UMB Core Values:  Respect and Integrity; Well-Being and Sustainability; Equity and Justice and Innovation and Discovery. These core values guide UMB’s academic programs, operating philosophy, and commitment to our constituents while supporting UMB’s dedication to global enhancement and social progress. 

The mission and core values of UMB align with the NSF policy described in the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide to foster safe and harassment-free environments wherever science is conducted. The NSF policy requires that UMB have a plan in place to address certain behaviors should they occur while off-campus or off-site research is conducted. NSF defines off-campus or off-site research as data/information/samples being collected off-campus or off-site, such as fieldwork and research activities on vessels and aircraft.

PIs are responsible for preparing the plan and completing the certification form for each proposal that proposes to conduct research off-campus or off-site. This form and the plan must be attached to the proposal in Kuali Research so that SPA can provide the signed certification and submit the proposal to NSF.

This process is required for NSF proposals beginning January 30, 2023. The NSF Safety & Inclusion certification form and plan attachment are in addition to any post-submission or pre-award lab/safety compliance review completed by Environmental Health and Safety and recorded in KR via the compliance tab. 

NSF Safety & Inclusion Certification Form - PI completes, signs, and uploads to Internal Attachments in the Kuali Research proposal record