International Engagement
International engagement is often a foundational element of successful research and scholarship, and the University of Michigan remains committed to supporting and safeguarding this important activity with integrity, transparency and trust. Partnering with individuals and entities outside U-M allows teams across all three campuses to push the frontiers of knowledge and discovery so that researchers can work together to find solutions to the world’s most urgent problems.
When engaging in international research and other professional activities, whether as part of your U-M role or external to U-M (e.g., outside activities), it is important to assess your international partners.
Shares details of Federal-wide efforts to enhance research security. It outlines the implementation of common disclosure forms and the establishment of research security programs at major research institutions and provides resources on research security training developed by federal agencies.
An overview of research security activities, policies, and requirements specific to various federal agencies including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institutes of Health, and National Science Foundation aimed at guiding University of Michigan researchers in maintaining compliance and integrity when involved in federally funded projects.
Provides Federal and U-M resources to assist with making disclosure determinations, including links to a federal-wide disclosure table, U-M’s outside activity disclosure guidance, and to the appropriate contacts at U-M for disclosure questions.
A comprehensive resource for University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students preparing for international travel to conduct or present research or related activities associated with their university roles. It includes essential information on U-M Related Travel policies, risk assessments specific to travel destinations, guidelines for traveling safely with technology and sensitive data, along with procedures for personal safety and research activities in potentially sensitive or high-risk environments. Additionally, it provides details on health insurance coverage, travel registration, and emergency protocols to ensure preparedness and compliance with university and legal requirements.
The FAQs provide answers to questions regarding international engagement previously raised by the University of Michigan community, covering topics such as travel policies, research collaborations, export controls, risk assessment, data security while abroad, insurance coverage, and emergency procedures. They serve as a quick reference to support faculty, staff, and students in navigating the complexities of international work and studies.
- On November 26, 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) Research, Technology, and Economic Security (RTES) office issued a framework to “minimize, mitigate, and manage risks while maintaining an open, collaborative, and world-leading scientific enterprise.”
___________ - On August 15, 2024, NIH released a decision matrix to assist agency staff in assessing grant
applications and ongoing awards for potential foreign interference.
___________ - NSF has developed a new proposal risk review process “Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency” (TRUST). DoD and DOE have previously implemented proposal risk review processes. A detailed description of the proposed process and pilot can be found here.A new JASON report: Safeguarding the Research Enterprise, commissioned by the National Science Foundation (NSF) was released on March 21, 2024. NSF requested feedback on specific steps it might take to identify sensitive areas of research and describe processes they may use to address security in those areas.
____________ - On February 15, 2024 the House committee on Science, Space and Technology held a hearing “Examining Federal Science Agency Actions to Secure the U.S. Science and Technology Enterprise” with representatives from the White House (OSTP), NSF, NIH and DoE. The hearing addressed the status of agency implementation of research security efforts associated with the CHIPS and Science Act and National Security Presidential Memorandum-33.