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.
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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.

The resource list includes links to key terms, documents, and background materials relating to science and security issues.
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Provisions of interest pertaining to research security in NSF for the Future Act (H.R. 2225).
Below is an AAU letter expressing support for H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act, a bill which the House Science, Space and Technology Committee is scheduled to consider on Jun 15, 2021.
AAU, ACE, and 39 other associations sent a letter requesting a briefing from State Department officials on the implications of Presidential Proclamation 10043, “Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China,” for international students and scholars.
Provisions of interest in the U.S. Innovation & Competition Act of 2021.
AAU joined ACE and four other higher education organizations in sending a letter to Senate leadership expressing their concern and opposition to an amendment filed by Senator Rubio to S. 1260 the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act of 2021.
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