Research Security Program
Stony Brook University (SBU) remains committed to the principles of academic freedom and the open exchange of knowledge, which serve as the bedrock of research and scholarship. Our faculty, staff. and students are encouraged to participate in international research activities, as these may promote the creation of knowledge and enrich learning experiences. In addition, such international research activities (both funded and unfunded) should be reviewed and conducted in a manner consistent with applicable requirements, including those of federal and state agencies, as well as SBU's own policies.
SBU Policy International Engagements
Request a Research Security Review (NetID login required)
What is Research Security?
There are three main areas of importance related to international research activities and research security.
- Disclosure of external relationships, both domestic and international. These relationships must be transparent and disclosed in accordance with applicable federal sponsor agency guidance/policies and SBU policy/procedures.
- Protection of intellectual property, research data, and materials, i.e., cybersecurity, physical security, review of international relationships and higher risk activities, use of appropriate agreements (e.g., material transfer, confidentiality, collaboration, data-use, visitor scientists) when engaging in international research activities.
- Compliance with export controls, i.e., disclosure, shipment, use, transfer, or transmission
of any item, commodity, material, technical information, technology, software, or
encrypted software for the benefit of a foreign person or foreign entity anywhere
(including the transfer of controlled information within the U.S. “deemed export”);
transaction and the provision of services involving prohibited countries, persons
or entities based on trade sanctions, embargoes and travel restrictions; and certain
transactions with persons or entities designated on a restricted party list.
Where can you get assistance with Research Security?
The Research Security Program team can provide support with any of the following issues:
- Disclosure of foreign collaborations and relationship
- International travel
- Hosting visiting researchers on campus
- Foreign government talent recruitment programs (international appointments)
- Review international research activities to assess risk from undue foreign influence
- Guidance on federal sponsor risk review processes/policies
How can you request a review of an international activity?
The Research Security Program team has created forms for easy submission of review requests.
REQUEST A RESEARCH SECURITY REVIEW - NETID LOGIN REQUIRED
Are there training requirements for research security?
The Research Security Program strongly encourages completion of the National Science Foundation's Research Security Training in the Collaborative Institutional Training (CITI)* software - note that these modules are required by some sponsors.
The training consists of four modules. 1. What is Research Security, 2. Disclosure, 3. Manage and Mitigate Risk, and 4. International Collaboration.
IMPORTANT: Complete this training in CITI * to create an institutional record of completed training.
*CITI is available to all SBU faculty, staff and students - Use the Log In Through My Organization option and use your NetID and password. Directions: Select "Add a Course", then "I want to complete the Research Security Course at this time", then "Research Security Training", select "Next". You will then have the option of viewing any or all four modules, completion of the modules will be recorded in CITI.
Resources and Guidance for Research Security
Research Security Program Newsletters and Campus Correspondence
The Research Security Program disseminates important information and updates from the federal government and federal sponsor agencies through newsletters and campus correspondence. Newsletters and Campus Correspondence are available here.
Research Security Overview, Concepts, and Guidance
Below is an overview of research security along with general information, concepts and links to additional information, training, and resources. Faculty, staff, and students who conduct or participate in international activities must be familiar with the information provided in these pages. Questions, contact the Research Security Program
Disclosure of External Relationships
Researchers have an obligation to disclose all external relationships - both domestic and international - in a manner that is consistent with applicable requirements, including federal and state laws, regulations, and agency guidance, as well as the university's own policies and procedures.
Protection of Intellectual Property, Research Data, and Materials
Researchers, as stewards of their data, have an obligation to protect their data in accordance with all applicable policies. This includes institutional policies, sponsor policies, and any terms and conditions accepted in an agreement.
Higher Risk Activities (from the U.S. Government)
The U.S. federal government has identified certain parties, countries, and areas of research that require additional due diligence when engaging in international activities. These are Restricted Parties, Countries of Concern, Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs, and Critical and Emerging Technologies.
Compliance with Export Controls
Researchers have an obligation to be aware of export restrictions applicable to any ideas, information or equipment they intend to share with international collaborators, whether they are overseas or visiting the U.S.
Policies and Guidance
Assess and Mitigate Risk in International Activities
Below is general guidance for assessing and mitigating risk in international activities.
For informal international engagements that include high-risk activities and do not require prior approval by an administrative office (e.g., shipments, P-card purchases, collaborations, co-authorship) the faculty or staff member engaging in the activity should submit a request for review.
For formal international engagements, activities that include high-risk activities and require prior approval by an administrative University office (e.g., sponsoring international visiting scholars, international travel, sabbatical leave, Title F leave, appointments at foreign and domestic institutions, outside consulting, externally funded research, human subjects research), either the administrative office or the faculty or staff member could submit a request for a review/consultation.
Professional ActivitiesProfessional Activities Risk Considerations Examples: Conference, meeting, or seminar (attend and/or present). Sabbatical leave, Title F leave, appointments paid or unpaid) at foreign institutions, outside consulting, unfunded research projects, and/or scholarship. |
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International CollaborationsInternational Collaboration Risk Considerations Examples: Funded and unfunded collaborations. Sharing of materials, resources, equipment, and/or visitors. Joint publications and/or conference presentations. |
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International Travel SecurityInternational Travel Risk Considerations Examples: Data and electronic device security. Hand-carry/ship items that are or may be export-controlled. Travel to high-risk or embargoed sanctioned countries. |
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International VisitorsInternational Visitor Risk Considerations Examples: Visiting scholars, collaborators, consultants, delegations, laboratory visits/tours, conference, seminar, or lecture participants or attendees, and volunteers. |
Awareness and TrainingAwareness and Training Resources/Materials Awareness and training resources to assist SBU faculty, staff, and students in understanding how to practice research security. |
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Federal Sponsor Risk ReviewsFederal agencies have implemented a variety of policies and processes to counter undue foreign influence, including risk reviews for fundamental research projects. |
Questions?
- Review the FAQ page (coming soon)
- Contact the Research Security Program
- Request a Research Security Review (NETID login required)
Report Research Security Concerns
Contact the Director of Research Security