The document provides a detailed overview of recent U.S. government efforts to strengthen research security within federally funded research, highlighting multi-agency initiatives led by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and Department of Defense (DoD). The NSF has implemented a comprehensive research security strategy in response to rising concerns about foreign influence and malign foreign government talent recruitment programs, as mandated by policy directives such as National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33) and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. These measures include prohibitions on participation in certain foreign programs, requirements for standardized disclosures and training for research personnel, and the development of analytical and information-sharing tools (e.g., the SECURE Center) to assess and mitigate research security risks across the research community. Key efforts also focus on promoting both openness and security in the U.S. research ecosystem, enabling informed decision-making and reducing administrative burdens.
Parallel initiatives at the DOE reflect similar priorities, with the Office of Research, Technology, and Economic Security (RTES) managing risks linked to critical and emerging technologies—areas particularly vulnerable to theft or espionage by foreign adversaries. The DOE employs a risk-based review process, including due diligence for projects, comprehensive disclosure requirements, and regular updates to risk assessment frameworks specifically targeting activities linked to “countries of concern.” The DoD, similarly, has instituted a formal risk-based security review for all fundamental research proposals, using a standardized decision matrix to identify, mitigate, or, when necessary, reject proposals with unmanageable risks, especially those involving institutions or talent programs posing national security threats. Across all agencies, a balanced approach is emphasized: safeguarding U.S. research, intellectual property, and technological competitiveness while maintaining the international collaboration and open science necessary for innovation. Processes prioritize transparency, due process, and ongoing engagement with the academic community, ensuring that emerging threats are identified and addressed without unduly restricting global research engagement.
