Research Security Training Modules

U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) 

Research Security training modules

NSF has launched four interactive online research security training modules that are designed to facilitate principled international collaboration in an open, transparent and secure environment. 

Module 1: Introduction to Research Security

This training module covers the key concepts of research security and how to recognize situations that may indicate undue foreign influence. By understanding the regulatory landscape that shapes research security, researchers will be empowered with the tools to protect their own work and safeguard the core values that underpin U.S. academic research.

Module 2: The Importance of Disclosure

This training module explains federal funding agency disclosure requirements, including types of information that must be disclosed, how that information is used and why such disclosures are fundamental to safeguarding the U.S. research enterprise from foreign government interference and exploitation.

Module 3: Manage and Mitigate Risk

This training module identifies types of international collaborative research and professional activities, associated potential risks, and strategies and best practices for managing and mitigating such risk. Learner experience will be customized based on their role as either a researcher or administrator.

Module 4: The Importance of International Collaboration

This training module emphasizes the role of principled international collaboration in U.S. science, innovation and economic competitiveness. The training will provide strategies on how to balance principled international collaboration with research security concerns, as well as how to foster an open, welcoming research environment that fulfills research security needs.

Safeguarding your research

Course: Safeguarding your research

Developed by:  Government of Canada

Length: 45 minutes

Audience: Researchers

Topic:  Introduction to Research Security

Description: This introductory research security course emphasizes on the need to balance research openness with necessary protection, considering the potential uses of the research and the lengths to which others may go to acquire it. The course provides a deeper understanding of why research security matters and empowers learners to recognize potential risks and develop effective mitigation tools and strategies in collaboration with institutional or expert support. This course provides a valuable foundation for anyone involved in research and emphasizes the importance of a proactive and strategic approach to research security.