To ensure the widest possible dissemination of research results, universities focus most of their research on conducting basic research – research intended to be published openly in the scientific literature. There are some instances when universities engage in important defense-related, select agents, or other forms of dual-use research that requires compliance with specific security and/or other information controls. AAU works with its members and the government to ensure that security controls are appropriately applied and that a reasonable balance is maintained between the open dissemination of scientific knowledge and requirements that control scientific information to protect national security and for other reasons.
Body

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.

The resource list includes links to key terms, documents, and background materials relating to science and security issues.
Search Our Key Issues Library
Browse recent items or search for a specific topic or document.
Summary of research security provisions in the House FY22 NDAA package (H.R. 4350.)
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder joined the leaders of AAMC, ACE, APLU, and COGR in sending a letter to White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Eric Lander with comments on the planned implementation of National Security Presidential Memorandum-33.
AAU joined other leading higher-education associations in a letter to House and Senate committee leaders expressing serious concerns about provisions of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, the NSF for the Future Act, and the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement (EAGLE) Act as those bills go to conference. In particular, the letter asks for removal of provisions that, while designed to enhance research security, would actually be counterproductive or unnecessarily onerous.
AAU Sends Letter to Congressional Leaders Outlining Priorities for Research Competitiveness Measures
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder sent a letter to House and Senate leaders outlining priorities for several key provisions that Congress is discussing as part of the conference process for S. 1260, H.R. 2225, H.R. 3593, and other related measures.
Letters | Technology Transfer | National Science Foundation | Department of Energy | Science & Security | Innovation and Competitiveness
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder joined the leaders of APLU and COGR in sending a letter to Kathleen Hogan, acting under secretary for science and energy, raising concerns about the implementation of DOE Order 142.3B and requesting a meeting to further discuss the deleterious consequences of the policy.