Research Security Office

What is Research Security?

The U.S. Government has defined research security as "safeguarding the research enterprise against the misappropriation of research and development to the detriment of national or economic security, related violations of research integrity, and foreign government interference."

The National Science Foundation has stated, "Ultimately, research security is about ethical behavior, regardless of background or origin. Ethical behavior is foundational to the conduct of research, and it can only be achieved when everyone can collaborate in an open environment, shielded from the threats of dishonest and unethical behavior."

Why is IU focusing on Research Security?

The U.S. academic community's current focus on research security can be traced back to then NIH Director Francis Collins' "Dear Colleague Letter" to various NIH funding recipients noting that "foreign entities have mounted systematic programs" to "inappropriately influence" federally funded research, noting concerns of diversion of intellectual property and failure of researchers to disclose substantial resources from other organizations, including foreign governments" which would inappropriately influence funding decisions. In the years since, Congress, the White House, and federal funding agencies have increased the number of research security requirements and guidance with which we must contend. Ensuring a research environment that is both secure and compliant with these requirements is key to the continued success of IU students, faculty, and staff, and to achieving the goals of the IU 2030 Strategic Plan, Pillar Two.