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 wrote a letter to Congress urging them to finish FY23 appropriations process this fall.
Agency Budgets | Letters | Student Aid | Federal Budget | Science & Security | Innovation and Competitiveness
AAU President Barbara R. Snyder sent a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate Education and Labor Committees expressing concern “with the potential adverse consequences of the new Higher Education Act (HEA) Section 124 reporting requirement created by Section 6124(b) of S. 1260, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA).”
AAU joined 79 other organizations in resending a letter to House and Senate leaders of the appropriations subcommittees on energy and water to request a one-time appropriation of $31.5 million to establish the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation at the Department of Energy.
Letters | FY23 | Federal Budget | Science & Security | Innovation and Competitiveness | Department of Energy
Side-by-side comparison of various America COMPETES Act and USICA Research Security provisions.
AAU joined ACE and 20 higher education associations in a letter to Congress outlining priorities for provisions related to STEM education and scientific research and innovation in the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology, and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act of 2022 (H.R. 4521) and the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (S. 1260)
Letters | Science & Security | Immigration | Higher Education Regulation | Higher Education Legislation | National Science Foundation | Innovation and Competitiveness | Department of Energy | Department of Education