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Welcome to the Ombuds Office
Our office is a resource for all members of the NIH community to help develop healthy relationships and effectively address workplace conflicts, including scientific disputes.
What We Offer
Individuals
Do you need help thinking through a difficult workplace situation or a scientific dispute? Are you unsure what to do, where to go, or what your options are?
Groups
Is your work group experiencing conflict or challenges with teamwork? Is your group facing a difficult decision, or needing to discuss a difficult topic?
Scientific Disputes
Are you facing a scientific or clinical conflict? Do you need help with scientific collaborations, authorship disputes, career mentoring, scientific misconduct, and more?
Education & Outreach
Would your organization benefit from a presentation about our office or an interactive workshop?
Our Commitment to You
Confidential
We keep all communications (including the act of contacting our office) in confidence.
Independent
We operate without interference from NIH leadership or other offices.
Impartial
We strive to understand the concerns of everyone involved without taking sides or advocating for particular outcomes.
Informal
Working with us does not initiate any complaints, investigations, grievances, or other formal administrative processes.
Voluntary
Working with us is never mandatory.
Our People
We are committed to integrity and the highest professional standards. We operate under the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the International Ombuds Association.
Contact Us
Would you like to schedule a time to talk?
If you aren't sure whether the Ombuds Office is the right next step, please contact us.
Feedback
We value your feedback to help us understand what’s working well and where we can improve our services. If you would like to share your personal experience with the Ombuds Office, you are invited to complete our brief, voluntary, and anonymous feedback survey.