NIH should take an active role in this process, , but I don’t think we should tell instituions what to do." The 46-year-old biochemist took up the challenge, on October 10. On that day she became the second NIH employee—and the first scientist direct NIH’s efforst on misconduct. The office she leads was created six years ago as part of effort to codify research practices by those who receive federal funds. But its work relating misconduct, which includes investigating allegations as well as developing prevention startegies, soon became a full-time job. And the pressures built as NIH’s handling of the subject become a matter of growing concern on Capitol Hill.
Newburgh is an eight-year veteran of NIH, having previously served as deputy director for pharmacological sciences at the general medical sciences institute. She was picked for the job because of her scientific background and her knowledge of NIH procedures, explains...