NSF Alert: New Restrictions on collaborations with certain foreign entities coming in FY 2027

Posted: 2026-07-29 10:10:04 Expiration: 3000-01-01 00:00:00

NSF has announced an upcoming research security policy that will prohibit NSF-funded collaborations with entities included on designated U.S. restricted party lists. The policy is expected to take effect in Fiscal Year 2027, which begins on Oct. 1, 2026.

Key Takeaways for Researchers

NSF-Funded collaborations with certain restricted entities will be prohibited.

NSF funds may not be used to support research conducted in collaboration with organizations identified on specified U.S. restricted party lists, nor with employees of those organizations. These restrictions will apply to all Senior and Key Personnel on NSF-supported research.

Senior/Key personnel will be prohibited from:

Collaborating with a restricted entity or its employees on NSF-funded research
Holding appointments or positions with a restricted entity
Receiving research support from a restricted entity while holding (or participating in) an NSF award.

New certifications will be required.

When submitting a proposal, Senior/Key Personnel and Authorized Organizational Representatives will be required to certify compliance with these restrictions. Details of the certification process are forthcoming.

This is part of NSF's broader research security efforts.

The policy is intended to protect the security and integrity of federally funded research and align NSF requirements with other federal agency approaches to collaborations involving restricted entities.

Next Steps for Researchers

Review the following areas to determine whether any relationships you have may be impacted by the policy:
- Current international collaborations
- Foreign appointments and/or affiliations
- Sources of research support
- Planned future partnerships
Contact the Export Control Office to review current or potential collaborators or to discuss foreign appointments and affiliations.

Questions?

Contact Kristy Shirley (kristy.shirley@ndsu.edu, 701-231-8995) or Sharon May (sharon.may@ndsu.edu, 701-231-6455).