You are encouraged to perform due diligence on potential collaborators, especially those in foreign countries of concern (e.g., China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, based on current federal guidance). The University’s Research Security Program (RSP) will assist you by conducting checks such as:

• Restricted Party Screening: We check if your proposed international collaborators or their institutions appear on U.S. Federal government restricted or sanctioned party lists (e.g., Entity List, SDN List). Collaborating with restricted parties may be prohibited or require a license.
• Export Control Regulations: We review whether your research activities involve technologies, software, data, or items subject to U.S. Export Control regulations. These rules govern the transfer of controlled items internationally or to foreign nationals within the U.S. (known as a ‘deemed export’). An export license may be required.
• Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs): We help assess if a proposed collaboration might constitute involvement with an MFTRP. Participation or potential participation in certain foreign government-sponsored talent programs will affect your eligibility for federal funding. Even seemingly standard academic activities (like compensated travel for collaboration in “countries of concern”) could potentially be considered an MFTRP under current federal definitions. Disclosure is key.

Based on these checks, the RSP can provide guidance to help ensure your collaborations comply with relevant laws and regulations, including Export Controls and research security requirements.