Foreign Influence in Research
Updated: September 14, 2023
The University of Minnesota and government agencies continue to work to clarify their instruction for research grant applications and reporting regarding foreign influence. Also see the CHIPS Act mentioned separately. Learn more about Foreign Influence in Research >
NSF and DoD Research Security Developments
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have published security-related measures that will affect the University research community.
NSF’s draft revised Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide includes new language prohibiting PIs and other senior/key personnel from participating in malign foreign talent recruitment programs (MFTRPs). As of January 2024, participants in MFTRPs will no longer be eligible for NSF funding. Other science agencies are developing similar rules.
DoD’s new policy instructs relevant components to implement risk-based processes for reviewing all fundamental research awards to assess and mitigate potential conflicts of interest/commitment relating to undue non-US influence. It is not known how quickly the components will implement this policy. As the required new processes come into effect, University personnel are likely to encounter novel delays during negotiations for an unknown portion of fundamental research awards.
Please contact the University Export Controls Officer (eco@umn.edu) with any questions or concerns regarding these developments.
- Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs, including Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (PDF) - updated July 27, 2023
MTEC Consortium Membership - Quick Guide Available for PIs
May 5, 2023
Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) is a non-profit consortium designed to promote the development and delivery of innovative medical technologies to improve the health and safety of military personnel, veterans, and civilians. In Spring 2023, UMN joined approximately 95 other universities and several hundred companies to compete for DOD funding available only to MTEC consortium members. Projects generally range from $50,000 to $25M in size. These awards come with unusual terms, including the payment to MTEC of a fee equivalent to 2% of funds obligated, and a 10-year period of confidentiality. A PI Quick Guide is available to help investigators learn about these terms about the SPA and collegiate resources available to help them navigate this program. Learn more about the MTEC membership and program terms.
NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Policy (DMSP)
January 26, 2023
Most proposals to NIH now require the inclusion of a data management and sharing plan at time of proposal. Learn more about the NIH Data Management and Sharing Plan Policy (DMSP) and track emerging details.
NSF Plans for Safe & Inclusive Work Environment When Conducting Off-Campus Research
Updated: January 13, 2023
New or renewal proposals to NSF submitted January 30, 2023 or later that are funded will require that PIs take an additional step to safeguard participants when engaging in off-campus research activities. Specifically, PIs must create a plan for a safe and inclusive work environment - and distribute that plan to each participant - in advance of departure for an off-campus research activity. See all the NSF Safe & Inclusive Work Environment information here >
Harassment Reporting
Updated: September 27, 2022
Federal and non-federal agencies require the University of Minnesota, under SPA's leadership, report to them under certain circumstances when investigators have had either administrative actions or disciplinary actions taken against them related to harassment (including bullying) or sexual harassment. Learn more about these harassment requirements and reporting, or request a presentation for your department and college.
NIH Childcare Reimbursement
Updated: August 11, 2022
Full-time fellows or trainees on NIH fellowships or training grants are now eligible to request and receive $2,500 per grant year for reimbursement of childcare expenses. Details about how to apply for and request reimbursement (including the University documentation form) are available in departmental business offices. Learn more about NIH Childcare Reimbursement >
CHIPs Bill
Updated: August 8, 2022
The CHIPS and Science bill provides support for the US semiconductor industry and provides a variety of key research security provisions that will be applicable to the University (e.g., mandatory research security training requirements, reporting on gifts and contracts from certain countries over $50K, prohibition against investigators participating in malign foreign talent programs, creation of a Research Security office at NSF). The bill also authorizes funding for a variety of agencies (appropriations are still needed by Congress). Key among that funding is support for NSF’s new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships directorate. Learn more about the CHIPS Bill >