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Research Integrity, Security and Compliance > Research Security

Research Security

The University of Florida values and encourages international research, collaboration, and scholarship. It is through our scholarly relationships—both domestic and international—that our faculty, staff, and students continue to generate innovations and discoveries that leave lasting impacts around the globe. The University is equally committed to adhering to regulatory requirements to protect public investment in research.

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 what final requirements and procedures will be.

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 – Summer 2025 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 one of two CITI courses or a live training via Zoom.

  • 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.
  • RSH300 live training via Zoom. The training, customized for UF researchers, will take approximately 30 minutes. Register using one of the links below:
      • Thursday, April 3 at 11:00 am – Register 
      • Friday, April 4th at 11:00 am – Register 
      • Tuesday, April 8th at 3:00 pm – Register
      • Thursday, April 10th at 3:00 pm – Register
      • Monday, April 14th at 10:00 am – Register
      • Tuesday, April 15th at 10:00 am – Register 
      • Wednesday, April 23rd at 3:00 pm – Register
      • Friday, April 25th at 3:00 pm  – Register

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

How Can We Help?

Call UF Research Integrity, Security and Compliance at 352-392-9174 or email us at international@research.ufl.edu.