In recent years, the federal government has increasingly expressed concerns about threats to the security and integrity of America's research enterprise. Research security, as defined by the U.S. federal government, safeguards the research enterprise from actions that could harm national security or economic competitiveness. In January 2021, the Joint Committee on the Research Environment of the National Science & Technology Council released Recommended Practices for Strengthening the Security and Integrity America's Science and Technology Research Enterprise, a guidance document for research institutions seeking to respond to the worsening threat landscape. Concurrently, National Security Presidential Memorandum - 33 (NSPM-33) was published, which made it the policy of the federal government to address research security in a more comprehensive manner. In January 2022, Guidance for Implementing NSPM-33 was published, which directed federal funding agencies to require research funding recipients to take certain measures to create a more secure research environment, including establishing comprehensive research security programs.
To view Portland State University's International Research Engagement and Security Plan, click here (limited to PSU Faculty, staff, and students.)
Recent federal requirements mandate research security training for personnel on research grants. Stemming from the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) the new training requirements are focused on protecting U.S. research and intellectual property from foreign government interference and exploitation.
National Science Foundation (NSF) - Effective October 10, 2025
The NSF requires senior/key personnel on proposals to complete research security training within 12 months before proposal submission. See: NSF Important Notice No. 149
National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Effective for proposal applications submitted on or after January 25, 2026
The NIH requires research security training for all senior/key personnel listed on a proposal. This training must be completed within 12 months prior to the application's submission. See: NOT-OD-25-154: Implementation of NIH Research Security Policies
Deparment of Energy (DOE) - Effecive May 1, 2025
DOE requires “covered individuals” on a DOE proposal to complete research security training before the proposal can be submitted. See: DOE Financial Assistance Letter (FAL) on Research Security Training Requirements
PSU researchers required to complete mandatory Research Security Training should do so via PSU’s CITI Training course. This training, which takes approximately one hour to complete, covers topics such as conflicts of interest and commitment, cybersecurity, and international collaboration.
Research Security Training (Combined Course) A condensed and combined single-module course based on the NSF’s Research Security Training.
Research Security Advanced Refresher - complete this training to fulfill sponsor specific requirements for renewing training.
The combined course and refresher meet sponsor requirements and will be used to verify that individuals have completed the mandatory training. There is also an option to complete the entire four module course by selecting the Research Security Training (NSF course)
Additional information on Research Security requirements:
National Institutes of Health - Implementation of Research Security Policies
National Science Foundation - Updated Research Security Policies
For Additional Information Contact:
Dawn Boatman - Phone: 503-725-8306 - Email: dboatman@pdx.edu