America's leading research universities guard our nation's security by protecting knowledge, trade secrets, and classified information from foreign interference. In fact, AAU members have a vested interest in making sure this is the case. AAU works closely with its members and the government to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place at all times. Our members also work hard to strike a balance between two key priorities. One, that research must remain open to succeed. The integrity of our nation's research depends on it. On the other hand, some sensitive data must also be protected. AAU and APLU have jointly written a guide to help our members deal with this issue. The guide provides principles and values that steer our actions and helps universities limit risks.
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As lawmakers consider measures related to securing federally funded research data and intellectual property, it is important to understand the current state of play for research security in the country to avoid new requirements that are duplicative, unnecessary, or counterproductive
Summary of relevant research security provisions in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
AAU, AAMC, ACE, APLU, and COGR submitted a memorandum with joint comments to the National Science Foundation yesterday on standardized disclosure forms and materials created by the National Science and Technology Council as part of the Biden administration’s implementation of National Security Presidential Memorandum-33.
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AAU has submitted comments in response to OSTP’s request for information on the draft NSPM-33 Research Security Programs Standard Requirement. The comments address overarching concerns including accounting for a risk-based approach and requesting clarity on the four program requirements: foreign travel security, research security training, cybersecurity, and export controls training.
Summary of research security provisions passed through the House America COMPETES Act of 2022 or the Senate U.S. Innovation and Competition Act which were not included in the final passage of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
AAU joined APLU and four other associations in sending a letter to the Deputy Chief Operations Officer in the Office of Science and Technology Policy requesting listening sessions on NSPM-33 Research Security Programs Standards. The letter recommends that "OSTP conduct listening sessions with stakeholders, as soon as feasible, to engage specific officials within the academic research community who have expertise on key areas outlined in the draft NSPM-33 research security programs standard requirements."
As lawmakers consider measures related to securing federally funded research data and intellectual property, it is important to understand the current state of play for research security in the country to avoid new requirements that are duplicative, unnecessary, or counterproductive
Backgrounder | National Institutes of Health | National Science Foundation | Department of Defense | Department of Energy | Science & Security
AAU, along with ACE and nineteen other higher education associations, submitted comments and a listing of twelve technical questions in response to a Department of Education Information Collection Request (ICR) on the Higher Education Act Section 117 foreign gifts and contracts reporting requirement.
