The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) plays a critical role in the oversight of academic research, supporting Congress through independent evaluations that enhance government accountability and performance. The GAO's Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics (STAA) division provides Congress with technology assessments, science and technology performance audits, and on-demand assistance. A significant focus of its recent oversight work has been research security, particularly around the challenges posed by global collaboration, balancing open scientific exchange with the need to protect federally funded research from exploitation by foreign entities. Key areas of concern include agencies' heavy reliance on universities to monitor conflicts of interest, often lacking clear enforcement mechanisms and adequate policies to manage both financial and non-financial conflicts.
The GAO has conducted ongoing and recent reviews of research security, including federal oversight of research funding to foreign entities, disclosure requirements, and technology transfer issues, providing recommendations such as the need for harmonized grant proposals, better risk communication, and targeted training on foreign threats. Notably, reviews found gaps in NIH oversight of foreign awardees, recommending immediate internal process improvements. Beyond research security, the GAO evaluates wide-ranging health-related programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and federal health services, as well as public health and private market trends. It also oversees the regulation of clinical research, tracking FDA and OHRP inspections to ensure research participant protection and compliance. Through these efforts, the GAO seeks to advise and guide federal agencies and the research community towards stronger safeguards while fostering innovation and collaboration.
