In this letter dated August 19, 2024, multiple leading organizations representing American research institutions and scientists urge the U.S. Department of Energy...
Other Science & Security
Understanding the complete research security landscape is essential to ensuring compliance while maintaining an open and collaborative research environment.
Featured
Summary of NSTC Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 Disclosure Requirements
The NSTC Guidance for Implementing National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) Disclosure Requirements, Version 2.0 (January 11, 2022), outlines uniform...
Framework for Review of Individual Global Engagements in Academic Research (V.1)
The "Framework for Review of Individual Global Engagements in Academic Research," developed by the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), serves as a guidance...
Resources
Point of Contact
Kevin Wozniak
Director, Research Security & Intellectual Property
All Other Science & Security Articles
COGR’s Science & Security Resource Page
The United States government’s focus on inappropriate foreign influence on federally funded research has resulted in an evolving legislative and regulatory environment that research institutions rank as a top compliance concern.
COGR Joins a Multi-Association Request to DOE’s RTES for Full Engagement with the Research Community Prior to Implementation of Risk Matrices
In this letter dated August 19, 2024, multiple leading organizations representing American research institutions and scientists urge the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), specifically its Office of Research, Technology and Economic Security (RTES), to actively collaborate with the broader research community before finalizing new risk matrices intended to manage research security in extramural resea
Results from COGR’s Survey on Research Institutions’ Experiences with DoD Policy for Risk-Based Security Reviews of Fundamental Research
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR) surveyed 82 member institutions to assess their experiences with Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for risk-based security reviews and mitigation plans in fundamental research. The majority of respondents were public universities, with a significant portion also conducting export-controlled and classified research. Approximately half of the insti
COGR Responds to Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking—“Provisions Regarding Access to Americans’ Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern”
The Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), which represents over 200 U.S. research universities and affiliated institutes, submitted comments in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) concerning restrictions on access to Americans’ sensitive personal and government-related data by countries of concern. COGR acknowledges the importance of prote
COGR Letter to OEI HHS-OIG
The letter from Matt Owens, President of the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), addresses the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following a meeting on January 30, 2024, regarding the NIH Recipient Institutions’ Reporting of Monetary Donations that Support Research Survey. COGR thanks the OIG representatives for their engagement and d
Analysis of NIST Safeguarding International Science Research Security Framework
The document provides an in-depth analysis of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Safeguarding International Science Research Security Framework, released in August 2023. Developed to address requirements set out in Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) and other U.S. government research security policies, the Framework is a comprehensive guide for designing institutional rese
Overview of Department of Defense Statement on Countering Unwanted Foreign Influence in Department-Funded Research Institutions of Higher Education
In July 2023, the Department of Defense (DOD) released a suite of materials establishing new requirements and processes to identify and mitigate risks associated with unwanted foreign influence, conflicts of interest, and conflicts of commitment in DOD-funded fundamental research at higher education institutions. In support of National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 and relevant federal statu
COGR Responds to NSF’s Request for Response to Dear Colleague Letter: Development of the U.S. Research Security and Integrity Information Sharing Analysis Organization
COGR submitted a letter to the National Science Foundation's (NSF) regarding the proposed Research Security and Integrity Information Sharing Analysis Organization (RSI-ISAO). COGR expresses strong support for the development of RSI-ISAO, emphasizing the need for trust, transparency, and voluntary institutional participation without an enforcement or intermediary role. The letter highlights the im
COGR Responds to OSTP Request for Information: NSPM 33 Research Security Programs Standard Requirement (88 FR 14187)
COGR submitted comments on the proposed OSTP Research Security Program Standard Requirements, emphasizing the need for standards that are risk-based, consistent across all agencies, and clearly defined to avoid unnecessary burdens and confusion. COGR advocates for streamlined compliance procedures, clearer definitions, and more flexibility for institutions, while urging that compliance requirement
COGR Submits Joint Association Request to OSTP for Listening Sessions on Research Security Programs Standards
The letter, addressed to Stacy Murphy of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), is a formal request from major organizations representing the higher education and research community regarding the draft standards for research security programs under NSPM-33. The signatories commend the OSTP for its work and the ample opportunity for public comment, but express the need for additional e
