Research security protects the integrity, openness, and long-term success of Augusta University’s research enterprise.
It focuses on identifying and managing risks related to foreign government interference, inappropriate transfer of research results or intellectual property, undisclosed foreign relationships or support, cybersecurity, international activities, and other concerns that may affect federally funded research.
Augusta University values principled international collaboration and recognizes that global engagement is essential to research, education, innovation, and discovery. Research security is not intended to discourage appropriate international collaboration. Rather, it helps ensure that research activities are conducted transparently, responsibly, and in accordance with applicable sponsor, federal, state, and institutional requirements.
Research Security
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In response to increasing concerns about foreign government interference and the exploitation of federally funded research, the federal government has issued policies and guidance intended to protect U.S. research and innovation.
National Security Presidential Memorandum 33, commonly referred to as NSPM-33, directs certain federal agencies to require covered research institutions to establish and maintain research security programs as a condition of receiving federal research funding.
NSPM-33 and related federal guidance are intended to:
Research Security Program
Augusta University’s Research Security Program supports institutional compliance with federal research security expectations. Program elements include guidance, education, and coordination related to:
Research security training is an important component of Augusta University’s Research Security Program and is increasingly required by federal research sponsors.
Federal agencies may require covered individuals, including principal investigators, senior/key personnel, and others identified by the sponsor, to complete research security training before proposal submission or as a condition of participating in federally funded research. Training requirements may vary by sponsor, funding opportunity, individual role, and implementation timeline.
Research security training addresses topics such as:
The training completion record will be automatically documented in our research management system (InfoEd) and will be monitored by the Offices of Research Integrity and Security and Sponsored Programs Administration.
Disclosure and transparency are central to research security. Researchers are expected to provide complete and accurate information to Augusta University and to research sponsors when required.
Disclosure obligations may involve:
Researchers with external funding should carefully review sponsor-specific requirements and update disclosures when circumstances change
Federal agencies have expressed concern that some foreign talent recruitment programs may be used to obtain access to federally funded research, intellectual property, confidential information, or emerging technology.
Researchers who are invited to participate in, or are considering participation in, a foreign talent recruitment program should contact the Office of Research Integrity and Security before accepting the activity. Participation may require university and sponsor disclosure and may be restricted depending on the nature of the activity and applicable sponsor requirements.
Research security includes protecting research data, confidential information, intellectual property, controlled technology, and university systems from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.
Researchers should use appropriate institutional processes when sharing or receiving data, materials, proprietary information, or confidential information. This may include Data Use Agreements, Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Technology Control Plans, or other institutional safeguards.
Agreements must be reviewed and signed by institutional officials with appropriate signature authority.