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Research Security
🔐What is Research Security?
Research security refers to protecting the people, information, and systems involved in research from theft, misuse, or inappropriate influences, especially from foreign governments or other outside entities.
At its core, research security ensures that your work stays safe, your collaborations stay ethical, and your funding remains compliant with federal, state, and institutional requirements.
🧪Why it Matters to You
As a researcher, you're part of a global academic network. While international collaboration is essential, it also introduces risks:
- Unintentional sharing of controlled or sensitive information
- Violations of federal disclosure requirements
- Targeted cyber threats or intellectual property theft
- Conflicts of interest or commitment
Failing to address these risks could lead to:
- Loss of funding
- Legal or disciplinary action
🛡️What's Required of Researchers?
You don’t have to be an expert in national security—but you do need to be aware of your responsibilities. These typically include:
✅ Transparent Disclosures
You must accurately report:
- All foreign collaborations, funding, and appointments (even unpaid) in the Outside Activity Portal
- Outside financial interests or consulting roles
- Participation in foreign talent recruitment programs
🔐 Cybersecurity Measures
Use university-approved platforms for storing and sharing research data. Stay alert to phishing and social engineering attacks.
🌐 Export Controls Awareness
Know whether your research involves restricted technologies, software, or data that require special permissions to share internationally.
📄 Training & Reporting
Complete required research security training and ask questions early when planning international work, hosting foreign visitors, hiring, or traveling abroad.
🧭 What are the Federal & State Government Doing?
U.S. agencies like NIH, NSF, DOE, and DOD now require institutions to take stronger measures to protect federally funded research. For example:
- NSPM-33 mandates research security programs at institutions
- More rigorous disclosure expectations for PIs and key personnel
- Closer scrutiny of foreign affiliations and conflicts
The State of Texas has hardened measures to protect institutions of higher education from foreign adversaries. For example:
- Executive Order GA-48:
- Prohibits the acceptance of gifts from adversary countries
- Prohibits travel to adversary countries for professional purposes
- Requires that employees notify their employer of their personal travel to adversary countries prior to travel, and to provide their employer with a travel briefing after their return to the U.S.
- Requires routine reviews (background checks) of employees conducting research on critical infrastructure
- Texas Education Code (HB127):
- Prohibits the acceptance of gifts from foreign countries unless de minimis value, and mandates reporting of the prohibited gift offered
- Prohibits certain academic partnerships with foreign adversaries
- Requires screening of all foreign researchers prior to employment
- Requires additional approvals for employment-related foreign travel
- Prohibits the use of foreign education software
👥 How We Support You
Our Research Integrity Office & Export Compliance is here to help you navigate these responsibilities without disrupting your research. We offer:
- One-on-one consultations
- Training modules and workshops
- Disclosure assistance
- Export control support
- Cybersecurity coordination with Information Security
📬 Questions? Reach Out.
If you’re unsure whether something needs to be disclosed, ask first—we’re here to help you get it right.
Contact: Office of Research Integrity and Security
| 📧 researchcompliance@utrgv.edu |
| 📞 Preston Broadfoot 665- 3216 |
| 📞 Jose Guerra 665-xxxx |
✅ Do |
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Disclose all foreign affiliations |
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Use UTRGV approved platforms for data |
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Ask questions early |
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Complete your Research Security training |
❌ Don’t |
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Assume something is too minor to report |
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Use personal email or storage for sensitive work |
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Wait until after submission to fix errors |
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Share restricted data without review |
Research security is not about limiting your work—it's about protecting it.
Let’s work together to ensure your research stays secure, compliant, and globally impactful.