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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AAU joined ACE and 25 other higher education associations to submit comments on the Department of Education’s Notice of Interpretation on Section 117 enforcement.
AAU submitted comments urging the Education Department to withdraw its recent notice of interpretation regarding its enforcement authority with respect to an institution’s failure to adequately report under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act and instead engage in a rulemaking process.
AAU has prepared key recommendations for the Biden-Harris Administration to help preserve the government-university partnership.
Student Aid | Recommendation | Science & Security | Immigration | Research Administration & Regulation
AAU recently joined COGR, EDUCAUSE, APLU, AND ACE to submit comments on the Defense Department’s interim rule on implementation of
AAU, COGR, APLU, ACE, and AAMC shared draft comments in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s advance notice of proposed rulemaking about the review of controls on certain foundational technologies