NSF Research Security Training
NSF's Research Security Training is mandatory for "covered individuals" listed on applications for research and development awards. These individuals are typically senior/key personnel and those who significantly contribute to the project. Institutions need to certify annually that these individuals have completed the training.
The term "covered individuals" generally refers to those who have a significant role in the development or execution of a federally funded research project. This includes, but is not limited to, Principal Investigators (PIs), Project Directors (PDs), and co-investigators.
The requirement for research security training stems from the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" and other federal policies. This training aims to protect U.S. government-supported research and ensure the integrity of the research ecosystem. Information on the Act can be found at CHIPS and Science Act.
Securing the nation's research enterprise is part of the mission of the U.S. National Science Foundation and is essential to the national defense. NSF works closely on this effort with its funding agency counterparts and with the law enforcement and intelligence communities — consistently emphasizing the importance of balancing research security with international collaboration in science and engineering.
NSF has dedicated considerable effort and resources to working with the research community and its other partners to:
Equip researchers with the information and tools necessary to ensure that their work is protected.
Clarify security issues and mitigate risks.
Foster transparency, disclosure and other practices that reflect the values of research integrity.
NSF's effort has led to ongoing initiatives aimed at clarifying proposal preparation and award administration requirements, as well as the issuance of new policies and directives in the proposal and award process. Information on NSF's Research Security can be found here NSF Research Security Training
Research Security Training
All "covered individuals" generally refers to those who have a significant role in the development or execution of a federally funded research project. must complete NSF's Research Security Training on new and continuing awards and his NSF's policy.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Principal Investigators (PIs)
- Project Directors (PDs)
- Co-investigators
The Research Security Training consists of 4 modules taking approximately 1 hour to complete for a total of 4 hours training time.
- Record Keeping Notification: PIs, PDs, Co-CI, and others are required to keep a record of your research security training as NSF will NOT maintain training records. You must save and maintain a copy of the records for records keeping purposes and provide a copy of the training upon request to the National Science Foundation, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (pre-award office), Sponsored Programs Administration (post-award office), or Research Compliance Officer.
Research Security Training Website