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 submits comments to provide input in response to the “Dear Colleague” Letter issued by NSF on May 4, 2023 regarding the development of the U.S. Research Security and Integrity Information Sharing Analysis Organization; NSF 23-098.
AAU, ACE, and 12 other organizations in the higher education community submitted comments to to the National Science Foundation (NSF) regarding the Proposed Implementation of Proposal and Award Policies & Procedures (PAPPG) Chapter VII.D.3 "Foreign Gifts and Contracts Disclosure."
AAU, ACE, and 20 other higher education associations submit Section 117 final ICR comments. The comment letter outlines the Department's burdensome reporting methods and continued extension of its statutory authority.
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.
