The federal government, federal funding agencies, and universities are actively strengthening measures to safeguard federally funded research from foreign influence and misuse. 

Federal funding agencies are requiring research security training for all covered individuals/key personnel listed on proposals. This includes: the principal investigator (PI); project director (PD); co-principal investigator (Co-PI); co-project director (Co-PD); project manager; and any individual regardless of title that is functionally performing as a PI, PD, Co-PI, Co-PD, or project manager. The Department of Energy's requirement went into effect May 1, 2025.  The NSF will implement a similar requirement beginning October 10, 2025. 

NDSU researchers can fulfill the requirement by completing  one of the following courses within 12 months of the application date:

• Research Security - (4 modules, ~ 4 hours)
• Research Security Training (Combined) - (1 module, ~ 1 hour)

Please make sure that you and all key personnel on federal proposals have completed the research security training before submitting the proposal. 

Other federal agencies are expected to implement similar requirements later this year.  We highly recommend that all covered individuals applying for federal funding complete this training in CITI as soon as possible.

For questions about the research security training requirements, please contact Sharon May, Export Control Administrator, or Kristy Shirley, Research Integrity, Security & Compliance Manager.