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
One pager for advocacy focused on securing scientific research against foreign threats.
AAU Statement on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Hearing "Examining Federal Science Agency Actions to Secure the U.S. Science and Technology Enterprise."
This resource document identifies key terms; effective practices proposed by institutions and government and non-government entities; links to various government and non-government entity lists, and topical analysis and proposed policy recommendations in several key areas..
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AAU and APLU have laid out "Principles and Values to Guide Actions Relevant to Foreign Government Interference in University Research."
AAU joined APLU, ACE, and AAMC to send a letter to Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Menendez (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Risch (R-ID) expressing our opposition to Section 138 of the Strategic Competition Act (S. 1169).
Section 223 of the FY21 version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) addresses disclosure of funding sources in applications for federal research and development awards.
AAU joined ACE and 18 other organizations to send a letter to acting Education Secretary Philip Rosenfelt to request a meeting to discuss the requirements for foreign gift and contract reporting under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act.
"AAU, along with the American Council on Education, the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, and the Council on Governmental Relations, submitted this memorandum to the Office of Science and Technology Policy, requesting a comment period for stakeholders to review the “Presidential Memorandum on United States Government-Supported Research and Development National Security Policy (NSPM-33)” and “Recommended Practices for Strengthening the Security and Integrity of America’s Science and Technology Research Enterprise."
