International Collaborations

Texas State University values international collaborations and recognizes that global engagement is essential to advancing research, scholarship, innovation, and educational opportunities. International collaborations support the exchange of ideas, expertise, and resources that contribute to scientific discovery and academic excellence.

Federal sponsors, state requirements, and university policies increasingly require institutions and researchers to ensure that international collaborations are conducted transparently and in compliance with applicable research security, disclosure, export control, and sponsor requirements. Researchers are encouraged to engage in international collaborations while ensuring that all activities are appropriately disclosed and reviewed when necessary.

International Research Collaborations

• International research collaborations may include:
• Joint research projects;
• Research partnerships and consortiums;
• Sponsored research activities;
• Data sharing arrangements;
• International research agreements;
• Visiting researcher appointments;
• International laboratory access;
• Scholarly exchanges; and
• Other collaborative research activities involving foreign individuals or organizations.

Researchers are responsible for ensuring that international collaborations are disclosed as required by sponsor requirements, university policies, and applicable federal and state requirements.

Before Entering Into an International Collaboration

Researchers should consider:

• The identity and affiliation of collaborators;
• Sponsor disclosure requirements;
• Export control implications;
• International data sharing activities;
• Foreign funding or in-kind support;
• Potential conflicts of interest or conflicts of commitment;
• Foreign talent recruitment program considerations; and
• Research security risks associated with the collaboration.

Certain activities may require review by Research Integrity & Compliance, Sponsored Programs, Export Control, Information Security, or other university offices.

Higher-Risk International Activities

Additional review may be required for collaborations involving:

• Foreign government entities;
• Institutions located in countries subject to U.S. sanctions or export controls;
• Organizations identified on federal restricted party or sanctions lists;
• Sensitive technologies, controlled information, or export-controlled items;
• Foreign funding arrangements; or
• Other activities that may present research security concerns.

Collaborations involving entities that have been identified by the U.S. Government as presenting national security concerns may affect eligibility for certain federal funding opportunities or require additional mitigation measures.

Hosting International Visitors

Texas State welcomes international scholars, visitors, and researchers as part of its commitment to academic collaboration and global engagement. Faculty and departments interested in hosting international visitors should coordinate through International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Faculty Records, and other applicable university offices.

Researchers considering hosting visitors affiliated with foreign government entities, foreign institutions located in higher-risk jurisdictions, or organizations that may present research security concerns should consult RIC before activities begin.

Countries Requiring Additional Review

Pursuant to federal and state research security requirements, additional review may be appropriate for activities involving certain countries, including countries identified as foreign adversaries under Executive Order GA-48 or countries subject to significant U.S. sanctions and export control restrictions.

These countries currently include:

• China
• Cuba
• Iran
• North Korea
• Russia
• Venezuela

Activities involving individuals, institutions, funding sources, or collaborations associated with these countries should be discussed with Research Integrity & Compliance before the collaboration begins.