Training & Certification

An updated one-hour condensed and consolidated federal research security training module offered by the SECURE Center. NSF, NIH, DoD, DOE, and USDA have indicated that the condensed module meets their research security requirements. The SCORM files (for upload in the institution's learning management systems), Storyline file, and transcript can also be found on the website. The training includes two, four or six editable html-based files that can be modified to supply institution-specific contact information and links to resources. A preview version can be viewed on the website and a version that offers a certificate of completion is now available.

A supplement to NSPM-33 outlining recommendations for research organizations to enhance research security and integrity. Categories include: Demonstrate organizational leadership and oversight; Establish an expectation of openness and transparency; Provide and share training, support, and information; Ensure effective mechanisms for compliance with organizational policies; and Manage potential risks associated with collaborations and data.

A Presidential Memorandum issued in January 2021 to strengthen protections of U.S. Government-supported R&D against foreign government interference and exploitation. It focuses on ensuring full disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and commitment by recipients of federal R&D and requires research institutions receiving over $50 million in federal R&D funding to certify they operate a research security program covering cybersecurity, foreign travel security, insider threat awareness, and export control training. As of November 2025, federal agencies continue to coordinate and work to implement this requirement for awardee institutions.

A condensed and consolidated one-hour version of the four federal training modules developed by the University of Michigan in collaboration with Ohio State University, Stanford University, and Duke University. Other academic institutions or organizations can download for their use. The training includes two editable html-based files that can be modified to supply institution-specific contact information and links to resources. SCORM files, Storyline file, and written version of the narrative are available.

Final Research Security Program (RSP) Guidelines published on July 9, 2024, via a memorandum to the heads of federal research funding agencies. Federal agencies are directed to implement the guidelines and provide time for institutional implementation. The four required areas are: cybersecurity, foreign travel security, research security training, and export control training. Agencies are coordinating implementation under a memorandum of agreement and anticipated to issue the requirements in early 2026.

Research security training developed by institutions and organizations under cooperative agreements funded by NSF in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Energy (DoE), and Department of Defense (DoD), with engagement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The training consists of 4 modules: 1.) What is Research Security?; 2.) Disclosure; 3.) Manage and Mitigate Risk; 4.) International Collaboration.

A matrix that lists policies and requirements under the headings of: Disclosures, Agency Risk Assessment, FCOI & COC, Training, Certifications, and Research Security Program for each federal agency. Per COGR, this tool is frequently updated to reflect the release of new documentation. Updated September 30, 2025.

Signed into law in August 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act includes a number of research security provisions. Key sections address research security at DOE, NIST cybersecurity guidance, NSF Office of Research Security and Policy, research security training requirements, information sharing analysis organizations, Confucius Institute restrictions, foreign financial support reporting, and foreign talent recruitment program requirements.