Research Security
The U.S. Government defines Research Security as “safeguarding the research enterprise against misappropriation of research and development to the detriment of national or economic security, related violations of research integrity, and foreign government interference.”
The University recognizes that international academic collaborations are an essential part of the research community and critical to scholarship and scientific advancement. However, it is important that faculty and staff engaging in international partnerships are aware of their reporting obligations and the concerns associated with research security, including improper foreign influence. Researchers should be completely transparent about their foreign relationships and activities, and they should fully comply with all disclosure requirements established by Boston College policy and Federal statutes, regulations and policies.
Boston College’s Research Security Program is based on Federal laws and policies, including NSPM-33 (National Security Strategy for U.S. Government-Supported Research and Development) and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
The Research Security Program, which includes the University’s Foreign Influence Working Group, is designed to mitigate threats to the University’s academic activities and research enterprise, including, but not limited to:
- Improper foreign influence in federally-funded research;
- Researchers’ failure to disclose their foreign affiliations and support, Conflicts of Interest, and Conflicts of Commitment, to Federal funding agencies and the University; and
- Economic and academic espionage, including Intellectual Property (IP) theft, conducted by foreign actors and entities
The Research Security Program’s support for Faculty and Research Staff includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Hosting foreign national visitors on campus
- Disclosure of foreign collaborations, affiliations, and activities to Federal funding agencies and the University
- International travel, including attending conferences and guest lectures
- Appointments at foreign universities and institutions
- Foreign government talent recruitment programs
- Assessment of research portfolios to assess risk levels and implement mitigation strategies if necessary
- Review of international activities to assess risk from undue foreign influence
- Guidance on U.S. Government security reviews and risk mitigation processes
Additional Information
U.S. Government Resources
U.S. Government Resources
NSPM-33
- National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33)
- NSPM-33 Implementation Guide
- Guidelines for NSPM-33 Research Security Program Certification
CHIPS Act/h3>
External Activities and Disclosures to Funding Agencies
- NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance Pre- and Post-award Disclosures Relating to the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support - May 20, 2024
- Guidelines for Federal Research Agencies Regarding Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs
- Policy Regarding Use of Common Disclosure Forms for the “Biographical Sketch” and the “Current and Pending (Other) Support” Sections of Applications by Federal Research Funding Agencies
Security Assessments and Risk Mitigation Processes by Federal Funding Agencies
- U.S. Department of Defense - Countering Unwanted Foreign Influence in Department-Funded Research at Institutions of Higher Education
- National Science Foundation - Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency (TRUST) Risk Mitigation Process
- National Institutes of Health - Decision Matrix for Assessing Potential Foreign Interference for Covered Individuals or Senior/Key Personnel
Training
Training
Policies and Guides
Policies and Guides
More to Come
Foreign Influence Working Group
In response to Congressional concerns that the misappropriation of sensitive IP and acquisition of certain emerging technologies potentially compromise national security, U.S. Government agencies have substantially increased their investigative focus on U.S. universities and research institutions. Broadly referred to as “Foreign Influence,” this threat has been defined to include attempts by a foreign entity to gain unauthorized access to federally-funded research; influence the direction of research activities based on sponsorship, financial donation, and other forms of in-kind support; and obtain intellectual property through IT penetration and other illegal activities.
In response to these concerns, and consistent with how other peer national research universities are responding, the Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties, with the support of the Office of the Executive Vice President, tasked the Vice Provost for Research with establishing a Foreign Influence Working Group to proactively protect the University from Foreign Influence and address research security concerns, as well as to build awareness within the University community to better mitigate future risks.
The Boston College Foreign Influence Working Group is chaired by the Director of Research Security, Integrity, and Compliance, and its membership includes staff and faculty representatives from several key University functional areas. The Working Group meets on a quarterly basis and has several subcommittees focused on specific areas of concern.
Contact
Leigh-Alistair Barzey
Director of Research Security, Integrity, and Compliance
617-552-1144
leigh-alistair.barzey@bc.edu
EthicsPoint Hotline
The University ethics reporting hotline provides an anonymous channel for employees to facilitate reporting of possible illegal, unethical, or improper conduct when normal channels of communication are not available or are impractical under the circumstances. You can submit an anonymous report through the EthicsPoint Hotline at bc.ethicspoint.com