Open scientific and scholarly collaboration between scholars from all over the world is one of the cornerstones of innovation and technical advancement, and the University of Wyoming encourages open and transparent collaborations, both domestically and internationally. While most international collaborations do not present research security risks, the Federal government has increased its attention in this area.
To address the growing concerns around research security, as documented in a 2019 report released by the National Security Foundation, the U.S. federal government has taken action, such as National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) and the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, to boost US competitiveness and protect federally-funded scientific research from theft by foreign adversaries. In response, the University of Wyoming has established a Research Security Program.
1. Disclosure Management
2. Travel Security
3. Foreign Visitors
4. Cybersecurity
5. Export Controls
Complete and accurate disclosure of all relevant outside activities, paid and unpaid, in-kind and other support, and foreign travel through the ROAMWyo Outside Interest module per the University Conflicts of Interest and Commitment Policy. For more information, including FAQs, visit this page.
U.S. government agencies and federal research sponsors closely scrutinize whether engagements with foreign entities and individuals, particularly in the form of research funding, gifts, and collaborations, comply with U.S. laws and regulations. Their concerns center on national security and the potential for valuable intellectual property and other research resources to be transferred inappropriately and sometimes illegally to foreign nations.
The University remains committed to supporting meaningful international research collaborations while ensuring that such collaborations do not negatively impact the ability of individual researchers or the University to obtain future funding. Therefore, the Research and Economic Development Division’s (REDD) reviews all formal and informal international research collaborations for potential risks to individual researchers and the University’s ability to continue to receive funding. For more information, please review the (reference and link DAP).
There have been numerous cases of US-based researchers, including both US citizens and foreign nationals, being recruited directly or indirectly by foreign governments with the intended goal of exploiting the open nature of the research and development environment at US universities and government agencies. Specifically, Talent Recruitment Programs refer to initiatives undertaken by foreign-state entities to engage and attract scientists, engineers, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States to join the foreign-sponsored program and transfer their knowledge and expertise to the foreign state. While this alone may not be problematic, it is often coupled with nefarious intentions that may cause a researcher to violate University, state, or federal regulations.
Proper preparation and essential guidance can help reduce the risk of compromising institutional intellectual data while traveling. According to UW SAP 7-9.4 and 7-9.8, all University travel requires prior authorization. However, travel to a country on the U.S. Department of State’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” requires additional review (we can also include information on the DAPP), before it can be authorized.
Grant requirements may include a requirement for covered individuals to complete foreign travel security training before international travel. Department of Defense funding may even require agency approval before any foreign travel.
A review of all potential foreign visitors is part of a comprehensive approach to research security outlined in NSPM-33. The review will include, but is not limited to, the purpose of the visit, the length of the visit, the UW facilities and equipment involved, and a review of the potential visitor’s affiliations. Please contact export@uwyo.edu with a copy of the potential visitor’s curriculum vitae and a completed Visitor Agreement before issuing a letter of invitation or accepting a request to visit.
Adequate cybersecurity is an expansive and complex field, and its scope extends well beyond research security. The Research and Economic Development Division coordinates closely with the UW Safety Office and Information Technology to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, all UW employees are required to complete a training initiative designed to enhance their understanding of advanced cybersecurity threats and increase awareness of proper safety measures.
Export control regulations are federal laws that prohibit the unlicensed export of certain commodities or information for reasons of national security or protections of trade. UW researchers looking to collaborate, travel, or otherwise work with international persons or groups should consult the UW Export Controls page for guidance.
Federal funding agencies are in the process of releasing their specific requirements for research security training:
Department of Energy (DOE) Requirement Beginning on May 1, 2025, all DOE Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) will include a requirement for all covered individuals to complete research security training in the 12 months immediately preceding the application date. Covered individuals from recipients or subrecipients who are added to an existing DOE award that includes the research security training requirement must complete the training within 30 calendar days of joining.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Requirement The NSF’s requirement will become effective with the implementation of the 2025 NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG). The 2025 PAPPG is expected to take effect in October 2025. The NSF will require that all individuals designated as senior/key personnel on a proposal complete research security training within one year of proposal submission. Individuals will certify in the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support documents that they have completed training.
We encourage all University researchers to complete the approximately one-hour research security training.
For those who are new to Citi Training:
1. Go to citiprogram.org
2. Select “Register Here” next to “New Users”
3. Select University of Wyoming from the drop-down list under “Participating Institutions”
4. Select your username and password
5. Enter your name
6. Enter your e-mail
7. Select “Submit” at the bottom of the page
8. Complete the required information requested by the University of Wyoming
9. Select “Submit” at the bottom of the page
10. Select the appropriate learner group: “Research Security”
11. Select “Research Security Training (Combined Course) A condensed and combined single-module course based on the NSF’s Research Security Training.”
For those already registered with Citi Training:
1. Go to citiprogram.org (http://www.citiprogram.org)
2. Select “Log In” Enter your log in credentials
3. Under “Learner Tools for University of Wyoming” select the “Add a Course” link
4. Select the appropriate learner group:“Research Security”
5. Select “Research Security Training (Combined Course) A condensed and combined single-module course based on the NSF’s Research Security Training.”