NSF & Foreign Gift Reporting Requirements: June 2024 Meeting

The document outlines recent updates to the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) research security policies, with a focus on implementing a transparent and risk-based approach to safeguarding research, particularly in areas with potential national security implications, as mandated by the CHIPS and Science Act and recent appropriations reports. It details the NSF’s phased introduction of the TRUST (Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency) process, which includes thorough evaluation and mitigation of foreign affiliations, undisclosed financial support, and possible sensitive applications, alongside new institutional foreign financial disclosure reporting requirements targeting support from specific countries of concern. Key recommendations emphasize maintaining openness in fundamental research, project-level risk assessment, collaborative development of mitigation strategies with stakeholders, and enhanced education and communication within the research community.