The program aims to safeguard research data, intellectual property, and critical technologies while promoting principled collaboration and compliance with federal and institutional policies.

All UI-affiliated individuals involved in research, including faculty, staff, students, postdocs, visitors, and collaborators.

• Research Security Training
• International Travel Security
• Export Controls
• Cybersecurity

The RSO manages the Research Security Program, conducts risk assessments, oversees training, and handles reported concerns.

Consequences of violating research security program standards may result in the loss of valuable intellectual property and/or critical technology.  Violations may result in institutional disciplinary actions and could be reported to federal funding agencies, potentially leading to suspension or termination of federal funding.

Any program offering incentives from a foreign entity to individuals for research-related activities, including cash, travel, or career advancement.

A program that involves unethical or illegal activities such as sharing proprietary information, violating U.S. funding rules, or concealing foreign affiliations.

Yes, but only if the program is legitimate and does not meet the criteria of an MFTRP.  Participation must be transparent and disclosed.

Conduct due diligence, assess risk, and consult with relevant UI offices.  Disclosure of participation in a FTRP is mandatory.

Participating in a MFTRP is strictly prohibited under UI policies and may result in disciplinary action, including termination.

Anyone not employed by the UI, including visiting scholars, students, faculty, and professional colleagues, whether domestic or foreign.

A visitor holding a non-immigrant visa (e.g., H1B, J1, F1) who is not a permanent resident employed by the UI.

When they contribute meaningfully to the development or execution of a research project and spend 30+ days engaged in the research project.

• HR Complimentary Appointment Workflow form
• Campus Visitor Engaged in Research (CVER) Workflow form

Visitors identify, visa status, visit purpose, funding source, research involvement, visit duration, office/lab location on UI campus, hosting UI department or lab, and data protection measures.

Training on research security, ethical conduct, export controls, cybersecurity, and other research compliance areas.

The University of Iowa Research Integrity and Security Office (RISO) coordinates training in line with federal and institutional requirements.

Yes.  Pre-travel briefings are required annually, and post-travel briefings may be mandated by the RSO or sponsor.

Researchers must comply with all export control laws and complete relevant training through the UI Division of Sponsored Programs.

Concerns should be reported to the RSO, who may escalate them to the Vice President for Research or other appropriate UI leadership.

1. On the CITI home page (https://about.citiprogram.org/), click the “Login” button on in the top right hand corned of the page.
2. Click the link: “Log in through my organization”.
3. Click the link: “See our full list of SSO-enabled organizations”
4. Click on the link for the “University of Iowa”
5. Enter in your Hawk ID and password, then click “Login”.
6. Scroll to the bottom of the landing page and click “Add a course”
7. Check the box for “I am required to complete Research Security Training (Combined) training, then click “Next”
8. Check the box “yes” to the question, “Would you like to take the combined Research Security Training”, then Click ”Next”
9. Choose the “Research Security Training (Combined” course by clicking “Start Now”

The briefing educates UI researchers on how to protect research data, intellectual property, and/or critical technology in order to comply with federal and institutional policies while traveling internationally.  It is a required component of the international travel approval process.

• Use a “loaner” laptop that contains only minimally approved UI software/hardware and essential fundamental research data.
• Change UI passwords before leaving and upon return.
• Update all devices with the latest security patches.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi and disconnect from the internet when not in use.
• Assume devices may be monitored or compromised.
• Perform malware scans upon return.

You must ensure that your collaborators are not on restricted party lists.  The UI Export Control Office can assist with screenings and help determine if conversations or shared materials are subject to export control laws.

Carry institutional “hand carry” letters, export licenses (if applicable), and any documentation required by U.S. or host country laws.  Even temporary exports (e.g., laptops) may require documentation.

• Conduct malware scans on all electronic devices.
• Change all passwords.
• Review and report any suspicious incidents.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. import laws for any items brought back.
• Contact the Research Security Office if you encountered any issues.