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Research Security Assurance

Research Security Assurance Mission

The Research Security Office seeks to assure faculty, staff, students, sponsors of research and other creative activities, and other stakeholders (collectively, the "Research Community") of a research environment free from threats of those who wish to exploit IU's open and inclusive academic research environment.

RSO carries out this mission by:

  • engaging with the Research Community on topics related to research security;
  • monitoring for research security concerns;
  • and suggesting appropriate mitigation measures to the Research Community and IU leadership.

RSO seeks to be a trusted advisor to the Research Community and IU leadership. RSO does not approve or disapprove faculty/staff hiring, projects, collaborations, publications, proposals, travel, or the like.

Resources

Visiting Scholars

When an IU faculty or staff member seeks to sponsor a J-1 visa for a visiting scholar through IU, RSO is notified by the Office of the Vice President for International Affairs (OVPIA) and conducts a review for research security risks.

Faculty/Staff Hires

RSO serves as a resource to hiring managers, school leadership, and other University stakeholders recruiting faculty and staff positions, and conducts reviews for research security risks on an as-requested basis.

International Travel

RSO receives reports from the IU Chrome River travel system indicating international travel requests. RSO reviews travel for research security risks and advises travelers, as well as school leadership and other University stakeholders.

Sponsored Awards

RSO is notified by the Office for Research Administration (“ORA”) when a sponsored award is made by an international sponsor to IU. RSO advises if any research security risks are posed by the engagement.

Conflicts of Interest/Commitment

RSO monitors for research security risks posed by potential undisclosed conflicts of interest/commitment ("Conflicts") through various means, including, but not limited to, review of publications, non-U.S. patent filings, and disclosures of Conflicts by IU personnel pursuant to Policy UA-17.

International Engagement

When new primary or sub-agreements with international institutions are considered by Office of the Vice President for International Affairs (OVPIA), RSO is notified and advises OVPIA of any research security risks.

Potential Research Security Risk Indicators

In its reviews, RSO looks for potential research security risk indicators ("PRI").

Indiana University prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

None of the foregoing may be used as a PRI in the course of RSO reviews. RSO is committed to upholding Policy UA-01, Non-Discrimination/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action. RSO seeks to use publicly available, reliable, and objective information sources when determining the existence of a PRI.

 

Potential Research Security Risk Indicators (PRIs)

  • Failure to make full disclosure in proposals for federal or other sponsored awards, including, but not limited to, inclusion of current and pending support, other research support, and a complete biosketch
  • Individuals or entities sanctioned by United States Government or collaboration/association therewith
  • Involvement in STEM field or with Critical and Emerging Technologies
  • Individuals or entities listed on U.S. Department of Defense list of entities engaging in "problematic activity" or collaboration/association therewith
  • Entities based in or existing under the laws of a "foreign country of concern" or collaboration/association therewith
  • Individuals or entities with evidence of cooperation, affiliation, or association with government of a foreign country of concern or collaboration/association therewith
  • Indicators of participation in a malign foreign talent recruitment program
  • Filing patent application in a foreign country of concern or filing in any other country prior to filing in the United States