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Research Integrity, Security and Compliance > Research Security

Research Security

What is Research Security?

Research Security means “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” (NSPM-33); or in other words, “protecting the means, know-how, and products of research until they are ready to be shared” (JASON Research Program on Research Security).

There are growing national security concerns regarding research involving sensitive data, intellectual property, or export-controlled information. Researchers are expected to take reasonable precautions to protect themselves and their work when traveling internationally, as well as fully disclose agreements and activities with foreign institutions to UF and U.S. federal sponsors. Failure to disclose foreign relationships and activities may jeopardize eligibility for future funding.

Research Security at UF

The federal government requires that research institutions receiving federal funds establish and operate a research security program to protect against foreign government interference and exploitation (NSPM-33). Research institutions continue to clarify final requirements and procedures.

UF Research Integrity, Security and Compliance (UF RISC) is the central point of contact within UF’s core offices to provide guidance to UF faculty, staff, and students who are conducting international research or other sponsored work abroad. The components of the program are:

Research Security Training Requirement

Federal regulations and guidance require that all PIs, Co-PIs, and key/senior research personnel listed on proposals for federal funding must take Research Security training prior to the submission of a proposal.  This regulation goes into effect in the summer of 2025. UF Research is strongly encouraging all investigators and named key personnel to complete this training as soon as possible.

The training requirement can be satisfied by completing the RSH300_OLT course via myTraining or one of two CITI courses. NIH-funded researchers must take RSH300_OLT.

  • RSH300_OLT via myTraining. This on-demand training is customized for UF researchers and will take approximately 20 minutes. NIH-funded researchers must take this course. Register through the link below:
  • CITI. You may take either:
    • Research Security Training – 4 modules that take approximately 4 hours to complete, OR
    • Research Security Training (Combined) – 1 module that takes approximately 1 hour to complete
  • To register for either CITI option:
      1. Go to myUFL and login using your GatorLink username and password.
      2. Click Main Menu > My Self Service > Training and Development > CITI Training.
      3. You have now entered CITI. A CITI profile consisting of your name, email, and affiliation with UF has automatically been completed for you.
      4. Click “Main Menu.”
      5. Click “University of Florida Courses.”
      6. Click “Add a Course.” 
      7. You may need to answer all the questions; however, scroll to the bottom of the page for the Research Security section and select a course. Click “Submit.”
      8. You may complete the RCR Training in one or multiple login sessions. Always login to CITI through myUFL by following steps 1 and 2 above or the training may not be recorded properly.

Helpful Links

Traveling Internationally: https://www.fa.ufl.edu/directives/starting-international-travel-2/

Information on Florida-specific laws and regulations related to research security and undue foreign influence: https://compliance.ufl.edu/foreign-influence/

Regulatory Background