NEW HAVEN Conn.
Yale University has agreed to pay $7.6 million to resolve allegations that it broke the law by mismanaging federally funded research grants, federal authorities announced Tuesday.
The civil settlement with the government resolves allegations that some Yale researchers at times charged a federal grant account for costs unrelated to grant objectives. The government also alleged the researchers wrongfully charged 100 percent of their summer activity to grants when the researchers spent significant time on unrelated work.
“This settlement sends a clear message that the regulations applicable to federally funded research grants must be strictly adhered to,” said acting U.S. Attorney Nora Dannehy.
Prosecutors said Yale did not admit liability in reaching the settlement and cooperated fully with the investigation. Yale acknowledged some errors occurred, but said the university has upgraded its accounting and reporting systems.
“We are the fortunate beneficiaries of more than $400 million of federal research grants annually, grants that enable Yale to participate in the advancement of knowledge, the cure of disease, and the betterment of the human condition,” said Yale President Richard C. Levin. “As stewards of public funds, it is our duty to adhere strictly to the regulations.”
