Research Security Spotlight: Understanding research security risks and funding agency risk assessment criteria

Since 2021, U.S. federal research funding agencies have been updating their processes and policies to ensure stronger security controls at higher education institutions conducting U.S. government (USG) sponsored research. Each funding agency is tasked with devising its own criteria for assessing security risks, and most agencies are still in the process of defining their risk matrices. While there are differences in how each agency determines risk, they all assess the following factors when evaluating foreign affiliation risks related to research proposals, especially if there are connections to a foreign country of concern (China, Iran, Russia, North Korea) or sanctioned country:

• Undisclosed support
• Undisclosed or high-risk affiliations/collaborations/appointments
• Participation in foreign talent recruitment programs, especially those identified as malign
• International research collaborations involving STEM, critical emerging technologies or military dual-use applications

Unfortunately, when a federal funding agency detects unacceptable levels of risk, based on these and other factors, the proposal is rejected, often without a detailed explanation or an opportunity to appeal the decision. So, it is very important for USC researchers to assess, identify and mitigate foreign affiliation risks in federal proposals to avoid rejection based on elevated risk factors and national security concerns. Failing to identify and mitigate risks in the proposal stage can be viewed as a form of non-disclosure.

Fortunately, through the USC Office of Research Security (ORS), researchers have access to resources to aid in these assessments, and a partner to help guide them in the risk assessment and mitigation process. Here is how to work with ORS to assess potential security risks related to federal research proposals:

• The ORS is required to conduct a risk assessment for all federally funded research that involves a collaboration with an individual or entity from a country designated by the USG as a foreign country of concern or sanctioned/embargoed country, or if your collaboration involves export-controlled information, technology, items, software or services.
• Planning a project that fits this description? Contact the ORS to request a risk assessment.
• Researchers who are developing a project working with collaborators who will be listed on the proposal are encouraged to check out the ORS website’s International Collaborations and Foreign Influence page to learn more about risks that could affect their federal project.

• Want to see how your targeted funding agency assesses security risks? Check out the agency-specific risk information available on the ORS website.

  

Sign up for CGI Hub professional development training offerings in 2025-2026

• STRIVE Tiered Program equips research administrators to thrive in dynamic careers: Sponsored by the Carolina Grants and Innovation Hub, the STRIVE Tiered Program just wrapped up a very successful inaugural year of providing holistic training for early-career, management-level and senior professionals in research administration. Within the STRIVE program, research administrators explored university policies, develop fundamental competencies, prepare for the Certified Research Administrator Exam or grow in operational efficiency and leadership. Sign up to join the 2025-2026 STRIVE Tiered Program cohort by Friday, August 1, 2025.
• Propel Research Mentorship Program introduces two new tracks for faculty researchers: Research Training and Education Services (RTES) arm of the CGI Hub is excited to announce two new Propel Mentorship tracks for the 2025-2026 cycle, focused on NSF CAREER and Department of Energy grants. These tracks will be provided alongside the existing National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) offerings. The CGI Hub is now accepting 2025-2026 Propel applications, which are due by Sunday, August 3, 2025.

 

Get involved with two upcoming opportunities for scholarship on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and aging

• Scholars in Health and Alzheimer’s Research Engagement (SHARE) seeks faculty pilot grant research proposals: The mission of SHARE is to enhance an Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) research workforce and strengthen the science on non-medical drivers of health and best practices in aging and ADRD. SHARE’s National-Institute of Aging-funded pilot project program will provide monetary, curricular and mentorship support to early-career faculty members to advance ADRD research in community engagement, health communication and implementation science through a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. In this inaugural year, SHARE will accept up to three (3) faculty scholars. Check out the call for proposals to learn more—letters of intent are due by Friday, August 1, 2025.
• Students and faculty, register now for the Statewide Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Symposium: The University of South Carolina will host the 2025 Statewide Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Symposium on October 9-10, 2025, in Columbia at the Pastides Alumni Center. The symposium is a statewide partnership between the state’s three major research institutions: University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina, and Clemson University. The two-day symposium will feature a student poster session at the end of the first day. To attend the symposium, register by Monday, August 25.

 

Attention IRB Users: Save your copies of approved study documents

As we prepare for the launch of our new IRB application system, we remind you to retain hardcopy or electronic versions of approved study documents for your study binders.

Please note the following important information regarding Exempt Review studies:

• Exempt Review studies will not be transferred to the new system.
• Resubmission is not required for currently approved exempt research.
• However, modifications to an approved exempt study will require a new submission through the new system.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Lisa Johnson at lisaj@mailbox.sc.edu.