The presentation by Rebecca Keiser, Chief of Research Security, Strategy & Policy at the National Science Foundation, addresses recent developments and ongoing efforts to enhance research security and responsible international collaboration in the U.S. research community. The document provides an overview of the timeline for implementing key aspects of research security, particularly in response to federal directives such as the National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) and the CHIPS and Science Act passed in August 2022. Key elements of NSPM-33 implementation include harmonized disclosure formats, clear definitions, the introduction of standardized research security training modules, and the development of program standards, all to be adopted within a year. The document also underscores the importance of digital persistent identifiers to support transparency and accountability.
Significant research security provisions in the CHIPS and Science Act are highlighted, including prohibitions on malign foreign talent recruitment programs for federally funded researchers, mandatory reporting of significant foreign financial transactions, and the integration of research security training into existing ethical conduct requirements. The Act defines malign foreign talent recruitment programs as those that involve unauthorized transfer of intellectual property, lack of disclosure, conflicts of interest, and connections with countries of concern. Further, the Act establishes a Research Security and Integrity Information Sharing and Analysis Organization and outlines the duties of a research security risk assessment center, such as serving as an information clearinghouse, developing risk assessment frameworks, providing training, sharing threat intelligence, standardizing data gathering, and supporting response efforts. Overall, the presentation emphasizes a coordinated, transparent, and proactive approach to protecting the integrity and security of federally funded research amid increasing international collaboration.
