Research security training is an important component of Texas State University's efforts to protect the integrity of research, promote transparency, and support compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements. Research security training helps researchers identify and mitigate risks associated with foreign influence, international collaborations, research data protection, disclosure obligations, and other research security considerations.
Research security training is one of the core elements of institutional research security programs established pursuant to federal requirements, including National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33). Federal sponsors are increasingly requiring research security training and institutional certifications as conditions of proposal submission, award acceptance, and continued participation in sponsored research activities.
Texas State University requires applicable personnel to complete research security training to support compliance with federal and state research security requirements and to promote responsible participation in research activities.
-
Who is required to complete Research Security Training?
Principal Investigators, Co-Principal Investigators, Key Personnel, and other individuals designated by the University or a sponsor may be required to complete research security training.
Training requirements may vary depending on:
- Funding source;
- Sponsor requirements;
- Role on the project;
- Type of research activities being performed; and
- Applicable federal, state, or institutional requirements.
Researchers should ensure they complete all assigned training requirements before proposal submission, award acceptance, or participation in sponsored activities when required.
-
What is Research Security Training?
Research Security Training is designed to increase awareness of risks to the research enterprise and to promote responsible research practices. Training addresses topics such as:
- Research security principles;
- Undue foreign influence;
- Disclosure requirements;
- International collaborations;
- Foreign talent recruitment programs;
- International travel security;
- Data protection and cybersecurity;
- Export control considerations; and
- Applicable federal and state research security requirements.
The goal of research security training is to help researchers recognize and manage potential research security risks while supporting open and collaborative research environments.
-
How do I access the training?
Research Security Training is provided through Texas State University's Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) account and is available to faculty, staff, and students at no cost.
Additional training requirements may be assigned based on an individual's role, sponsor requirements, research activities, or compliance obligations.
Refer to the CITI Training Instructions for guidance on accessing and completing required training modules.
RESEARCH SECURITY AS A PROPOSAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT
To support compliance with federal sponsor requirements, state research security requirements, and university policies, Texas State University requires applicable research personnel to complete designated research security training before submission of a proposal for external funding.
Principal Investigators, Co-Principal Investigators, Key Personnel, and other individuals designated by the University may be required to complete Research Security training prior to proposal submission and award acceptance.
Failure to complete required training may result in delays to proposal submission, award setup, participation in sponsored projects, or other research activities until training requirements have been satisfied.
Researchers are responsible for maintaining current training compliance and ensuring that all required training is completed before engaging in activities requiring such training.