Research Security

Research security is vital to protect the public investment in research and advance technologies and research data discovered at the University of Iowa. The University of Iowa’s (UI) Research Integrity and Security Office (RISO) fulfills the obligation to protect the integrity of research conducted at the institution. The RISO administers the institutional research security program, as well as monitors ethical and compliance concerns involving research. The UI Research Security Officer (RSO) ensures that the UI is in compliance with federally mandated requirements from the National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), the NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance, the CHIPS and Science Act (Public Law 117-167), and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Research Security Program Standards.

The UI has a dedicated policy to Research Security Additionally, as required by federal regulations, the University of Iowa has developed a Research Security Program that incorporates the following areas:

Cyber Security

All users of UI information technology (IT) resources, including those engaged in research, must comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, institutional policies, and sponsor requirements for acceptable use and protection of information technology resources, research data, intellectual property, and critical technologies.

Export Control Training

Export Control laws and regulations restrict the release of certain technical data, intellectual property, software, equipment, materials, and technology to foreign persons and countries. In addition, restrictions can apply to certain activities with foreign entities and individuals. Individuals engaged in UI research are responsible for ensuring compliance with federal export control laws and regulations, as well as UI policies, procedures, and guidelines related to export controls.

International Travel Training

All UI travelers must comply with institutional travel policies. Travel protocols apply when individuals travel for UI related business, including, but not limited to, teaching, conferences, research activities, and when individuals receive sponsored or third-party travel for research or professional purposes. All travel must be approved prior to an individual’s intended date of departure. Anyone traveling internationally for research-related purposes must complete a pretravel briefing at least on an annual basis.

Research Security Training

Covered individuals engaged in research must complete training as required by federal funding agencies. Training may include: proper use of federal funds, benefits of responsible international collaboration, intellectual property and data protection requirements, responsible international travel practices, basic cybersecurity hygiene, disclosure requirements for conflict of interest/commitment, existing and emerging threats to global research, and identifying, managing, and seeking means for mitigation of risks, particularly in the context of foreign talent recruitment programs and insider threats.