Revisiting the Framework for Reviewing Global Engagements: October 2021 Meeting

The document provides an extensive overview of the evolving frameworks, institutional responses, and ongoing challenges universities face in managing global research engagements amid increasing federal scrutiny of research integrity and disclosure compliance, especially regarding foreign affiliations and support. Through presentations from leaders at Columbia, Pittsburgh, Harvard, Michigan, and Texas Southwestern, the session covers updates to disclosure processes, systematic and policy improvements, the integration of conflict of interest (COI) and conflict of commitment (COC) reviews, and the complexities of reviewing international agreements and mitigating non-financial conflicts. Using policy timelines, institutional case studies, and audience polling, the document highlights the critical need for coordinated compliance efforts, improved transparency, sophisticated tracking systems, robust training, and adaptive institutional policies to address regulatory requirements and the risks of foreign influence in academic research.