Research Security involves the protection of the research enterprise against threats such as misappropriation, violations of research integrity, and international government interference. These protections are achieved through the safeguarding of intellectual property, sensitive data, and technological advances from unauthorized access or theft. The following sections provide more information on research security topics common to the academic and research environments.
Find answers to common questions about foreign engagement, disclosure requirements and compliance in federally funded research.
Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs that conflict with U.S. research integrity principles are considered “Malign” talent programs and are generally not compatible with effort requirements under a U.S. academic appointment (conflict of commitment).
Federal policy requires institutions that receive greater than $50 million dollars annually to create and maintain a compliant research security program. This section will contain Pitt’s research security program once final federal guidance is issued and a plan is created.
The federal Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) program is used by federal executive branch agencies to identify and protect certain federal information that requires safeguarding. This section provides additional information describing how this program applies to Pitt activities when we are given access to or generate CUI on behalf of the federal government.
Understand the federal requirements for handling bulk U.S. sensitive personal data, including key definitions, affected countries and compliance guidance.
The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 requires federal agencies to employ a review process for all covered individuals in a research and development award application which can lead to risk mitigation steps for individuals and institutions as a condition of an award.
Section 10634 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 requires federal grant making agencies to establish research security training requirements applicable to both Covered Personnel (Key Personnel) listed on an application for a research and development award and their sponsoring institutions.