Resources

Module 1: Introduction to Research Security
This training module covers the key concepts of research security and how to recognize situations that may indicate undue foreign influence. By understanding the regulatory landscape that shapes research security, researchers will be empowered with the tools to protect their own work and safeguard the core values that underpin U.S. academic research.

Module 2: The Importance of Disclosure
This training module explains federal funding agency disclosure requirements, including types of information that must be disclosed, how that information is used and why such disclosures are fundamental to safeguarding the U.S. research enterprise from foreign government interference and exploitation.

Module 3: Manage and Mitigate Risk 
This training module identifies types of international collaborative research and professional activities, associated potential risks, and strategies and best practices for managing and mitigating such risk. Learner experience will be customized based on their role as either a researcher or administrator.

Module 4: The Importance of International Collaboration
This training module emphasizes the role of principled international collaboration in U.S. science, innovation and economic competitiveness. The training will provide strategies on how to balance principled international collaboration with research security concerns, as well as how to foster an open, welcoming research environment that fulfills research security needs.

Implementation of NIH Research Security Policies (September 2025)
In alignment with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (P.L. 117-167),National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33), and the July 29, 2024 Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) memorandum on Guidelines for Research Security Programs at Covered Institutions, NIH is establishing a series of requirements to strengthen transparency and accountability across NIH funded projects.

NSF Foreign Talent Recruitment Program Restrictions
Participation in Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs) disqualifies individuals from serving as senior/key personnel. Annual certifications are required to confirm non-participation.

NSF Institutional Research Security Programs 
Institutions must implement programs to assess and manage risks associated with foreign collaborations and data sharing. NSF’s TRUST Framework guides risk assessment, focusing on quantum-related projects initially.

Biological Research-Specific Policies (Executive Order 14292)
Federal funding is prohibited for dangerous gain-of-function research conducted in countries of concern. Institutions must publicly report federally and non-federally funded gain-of-function research.

policy info

RISC Institute News and Information

Feb. 26, 2025 – RISC Institute’s Research Security Training and Programs Highlighted at ASCE 2025. Read more>

Feb. 6, 2025 – Texas A&M System’s RISC Institute hosts 9th annual Academic security and counter Exploitation (ASCE) program. Read more>

Feb. 5, 2025 – Texas A&M Regents highlight research security efforts and innovation growth during meeting. Read more>

Dec. 14, 2023 – Texas A&M System Regents Approve Research and Innovation Security and Competitiveness Institute. Read more>

RISC Media Bulletin

The Academic Security and Counter Exploitation Program is coordinated by The Texas A&M University System Research Security Office as a service to the academic community. The RISC Media Bulletin is published and disseminated weekly.