NIH Grant Administration and Correspondence – Bradley Foerster, MD, PhD (2014–2019)

Overview: The following materials relate to administration and oversight of an NIH-funded ALS research grant, including institutional correspondence, review processes, and grant disposition.

Bradley Foerster, MD, PhD served as co–principal investigator on an NIH-funded ALS research grant during this period.

Prior to the ORCR review, study records were maintained in Dr. Foerster’s office, including materials stored in a locked cabinet. During the period in which the ORCR review was conducted, Dr. Foerster was on medical leave. Correspondence indicates that study records were accessed and reviewed by University personnel during this time as part of institutional review processes.

Context: Earlier, a 2015 Career Development Committee memorandum identified a grant-related conflict and concluded that removal of Dr. Foerster’s co–principal investigator was the “only tenable solution.” The record reflects that this recommendation was not implemented. The memorandum was not included in the final record of subsequent 5.09 proceedings against Dr. Foerster following objection by University counsel.

The materials below include documentation related to arbitration proceedings, institutional review and audit processes, internal University correspondence, and subsequent actions concerning the disposition of the grant.

Final NIH R01 NS082304 Grant Closeout Report (for 2017-2018 period)
              Final NIH ALS Grant Report regarding documenting efforts for 5/1/2017 - 4/30/2018.









NIH Grant R01 NS082304 Sub-contract Finances
University of Michigan & University of Utah Financial Records for NIH Grant Subcontract 
for 5/1/2017 - 4/30/2018.

Arbitration and Grant Review Process 

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding arbitration procedures for an NIH-funded research grant, including formation of a review committee and request for a written position statement.

University of Michigan NIH ALS grant #1
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #2
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #3

Arbitration Correspondence and Submission Process

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding arbitration procedures and considerations related to submission of written materials to the review committee.

University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #3
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #4

Correspondence Regarding Grant Roles and Responsibilities

Letter on University of Michigan letterhead regarding NIH-funded grant administration, including description of investigator responsibilities, data access, and communication of concerns during an ongoing review process.

University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #5
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #6
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #7
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #8
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #9
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #7
University of Michigan NIH ALS Grant #8


ORCR Notification and Initiation of Review

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding initiation of a regulatory review of an NIH-funded study at the request of the Institutional Review Board, including scope of review and coordination of access to study records.






Correspondence Regarding ORCR Review Activities

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding ongoing ORCR review activities, including verification of study documentation and coordination between study personnel.



ORCR Audit and Research Integrity Correspondence

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding separate research integrity and compliance reviews of an NIH-funded study, including scope of review and opportunity for response to draft findings.




Recorded Correspondence Regarding ORCR Review

Audio recording of a discussion regarding the ORCR review process and coordination of study record review.


ORCR Follow-Up Correspondence

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding timing of response to an ORCR review, including medical leave status and clarification of review and determination processes involving the Institutional Review Board.


University Correspondence Regarding NIH Audit Materials

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding location, handling, and access to research log books in connection with an NIH audit and institutional review.


Correspondence Regarding Data Access and Audit Coordination

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding data access, database activity, and coordination among study personnel during an ongoing review of an NIH-funded project.


Correspondence Regarding Research Staff Responsibilities

Internal University of Michigan correspondence regarding research staff responsibilities, including description of study roles, coordination of activities, and institutional inquiries during review of an NIH-funded project.


NIH Grant Relinquishment and Transfer

Institutional correspondence reflecting relinquishment of an NIH-funded research grant by the University of Michigan, including statements regarding continuation of the project at another institution.



Follow-Up Correspondence Regarding ORCR Review

Subsequent correspondence regarding a prior ORCR review of an NIH-funded study, including requests for clarification of review procedures, timing of participation, and access to study records.



Related Reporting

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Brad Foerster, MD PhD

Brad Foerster is a FOIA advocate documenting requests, transparency disputes, and accountability investigations involving public agencies, universities, police oversight, and Russia-Gate related inquiries. His work compiles original documents, timelines, and analysis of public records and institutional responses. Brad is also a board-certified radiologist, author of Town & Gown, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles. Brad lives in Potomac, Maryland with his family and is active in the Montgomery County Medical Society and the Takoma Park U.S. & World History Book Club.