The National Science Foundation has announced a new annual certification requirement for Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs). It regards participation in Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs). This policy applies to all NSF awards made on or after May 20, 2024. The policy takes effect on June 7.
In accordance with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG), Chapter II.D.1.e(ii), any individual serving as a PI or co-PI on a qualifying NSF award must certify via Research.gov that they are not a party to a MFTRP.
University of Michigan policy prohibits participation in MFTRPs.
Key information for researchers on the new certification requirements:
- Who Must Certify: The requirement applies only to PIs and co-PIs named on NSF awards made on or after May 20, 2024.
- How to Certify: Impacted individuals will be prompted to complete the certification after signing into Research.gov.
- Frequency: Certification is required once per year, regardless of the number of qualifying NSF awards an individual may hold.
- Verification: Once completed, the certification response is available under the “Academic/Professional Information” section of the individual’s Research.gov profile.
- Eligibility: Individuals currently participating in a MFTRP are not eligible to serve as senior/key personnel on proposals or awards issued after May 20, 2024.
At this time, the certification requirement is limited to PIs and co-PIs, but NSF has indicated plans to expand the policy to include all senior/key personnel in the future. Additionally, NSF is working to provide institutions with access to submitted certifications for administrative awareness and compliance monitoring.
Frequently asked questions and MFTRP contract examples will be available on the MFTRP section of the Office of the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy website. Additional questions about the requirement may be directed to [email protected], while technical issues related to Research.gov can be addressed by contacting the NSF IT Service Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or emailing [email protected].