Office of Research Integrity and Assurance

What is Research Security?

What is Research Security?

The U.S. Government’s research security initiative aims to safeguard federally funded research against foreign government interference or misappropriation that would harm our national or economic security. Research security is especially focused on protecting intellectual capital at U.S. universities from undue influence, exploitation, and theft by “foreign countries of concern,” which the government currently defines as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

At George Mason University, research security is part of how we support and protect our community, our work, and the integrity of our research enterprise. Research security includes training, export control, international travel, and cybersecurity, and applies to all federally funded research, including fundamental research.

Under National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), the federal government requires research institutions receiving more than $50 million in federal funding per year to certify that they have established and operate a research security program.

For more information about research security, please browse the sections below.

Research security:
  • Protects the integrity of research
  • Safeguards intellectual property and innovation
  • Protects researchers and students
  • Protects sensitive data
  • Preserves reputation and public trust
  • Preserves Mason’s ability to receive federal funding.
Research security matters because it helps universities conduct, protect, and sustain their research activities in today’s globally connected environment.
Research security is NOT:
  • A barrier intended to block international collaboration
  • General cybersecurity for the university
  • Academic misconduct investigations
  • Responsible for IP management or commercialization
  • Responsible for operational campus safety
Research security is not about prohibiting or reducing foreign collaboration. Instead, the goal is to mitigate the risks to the U.S. research enterprise posed by individuals or entities attempting to exploit our open research environment.
The research security program will:
  • Provide researchers clear guidance on context, potential risks, and recommendations to engage securely
  • Assist researchers in navigating evolving federal regulations that are essential to winning and keeping federal funding
  • Improve transparency and communication, and help researchers mitigate professional and legal risks associated with international collaborations
  • Provide training on responsible practices for international collaborations
The Research Security team should be contacted for screening and guidance on all international engagements involving a “foreign country of concern” (defined by the U.S. Government as China, Iran, North Korea, Russia). Common types of engagements include, but are not limited to, the examples listed below:
  • International Travel
  • Research collaborations with international individuals or organizations
  • International agreements (MOUs, talent programs, etc.)
  • Attendance at conferences, meetings, and events
  • Visiting scholars
  • Hosting visitors and delegations on campus
Some screenings and reviews are integrated into existing business processes, such as travel pre-approval requests in Chrome River. Other requests may be sent via email for screening. If you have a question or concern regarding an international engagement, or are not sure if a screening has been conducted, please reach out to [email protected]. In your message, please provide the following information for international parties (individuals and organizations) involved in the engagement. Our team will follow up with screening results and guidance.
  • Collaborator name
  • Current affiliation
  • Country
  • CV (if available)
  • Event or meeting name and purpose (if applicable)

 

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