The document provides a thorough examination of the growing intersection between science and security, focusing on institutional strategies to address concerns about undue foreign influence and compliance with state and federal regulations. Panelists from major research universities and affiliating bodies highlight that government stakeholders are increasingly scrutinizing the affiliations, international engagements, and outside activities of researchers to safeguard national interests and research integrity. At the University of Florida (UF), this has prompted the development of an extensive framework involving mandatory disclosures, centralized approval processes, and specialized reviews of agreements and activities that pose potential international risks. UF has also had to adapt to recent Florida legislation (HB7017), which places rigorous restrictions on foreign collaborations and requires heightened transparency in reporting foreign funding, agreements, and travel.
Parallel efforts at the University of Connecticut (UConn) underscore a commitment to fostering international collaborations while maintaining strict oversight and transparency. UConn's approach is grounded in clear communication of institutional expectations, comprehensive education for faculty, and robust internal controls to ensure compliance with regulations and sponsor requirements. Both institutions acknowledge the ethical and practical imperatives of transparency, disclosure, and secure handling of international partnerships, while striving to balance the opportunities provided by global research engagement with the necessity of protecting confidential information and intellectual property. Overall, these institutional responses represent a proactive adaptation to evolving security concerns in the research environment, emphasizing compliance, risk assessment, and continued education to support both innovation and regulatory adherence.
