Export Control & Research Security
As part of the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR), researchers must adhere to export control regulations and research security measures to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and protect national security, intellectual property, and sensitive research data.
What Are Export Controls?
Export control laws regulate the transfer of certain technologies, data, software, and materials to foreign individuals or entities, both within the U.S. and abroad. These regulations aim to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with national security policies. The primary U.S. export control regulations include:
- International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) – Governs defense-related items, services, and technical data.
- Export Administration Regulations (EAR) – Regulates the export of dual-use technologies with both civilian and military applications.
- Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Sanctions – Enforces economic and trade sanctions against specific countries, entities, and individuals.
Failure to comply with these laws can result in significant penalties, including fines, loss of research funding, and legal consequences.
How Export Controls Impact Research
Researchers may need to comply with export control regulations if they:
- Collaborate with foreign researchers or institutions.
- Travel internationally with research data, technology, or equipment.
- Work with restricted or controlled materials, software, or technologies.
- Host foreign visitors in research facilities.
- Participate in projects with publication or access restrictions.
While fundamental research (research intended for public dissemination) is generally exempt from export controls, any restrictions on participation or dissemination of results may impact this exemption.
Research Security: Protecting Your Work
Research security encompasses measures to protect research integrity, safeguard sensitive information, and prevent unauthorized access to intellectual property and controlled technologies. Key aspects include:
- Disclosure and Transparency – Researchers must disclose foreign affiliations, funding sources, and participation in foreign talent programs.
- Data Protection – Secure handling and storage of research data, including encryption, controlled access, and cybersecurity best practices.
- Facility and Cybersecurity Measures – Ensuring research infrastructure is safeguarded against unauthorized access or cyber threats.
- International Collaboration Due Diligence – Assessing partnerships to ensure compliance with institutional and federal security guidelines.
Compliance and Support
All researchers are responsible for understanding and complying with export control regulations and research security requirements. To help researchers navigate these regulations, TSU's Research Compliance Office and the Export Control Offices will provide:
- Training on export control compliance and research security best practices.
- Guidance and Risk Assessments from institutional export control officers and research security teams.
- Resources and Support for reviewing research projects to determine if export controls apply.
Failure to comply with export control regulations and research security measures can result in significant penalties, including fines, loss of research funding, and legal consequences. Researchers are encouraged to seek guidance when in doubt and proactively implement best practices for secure and ethical research conduct.
For more information please contact Mr. Robert Turner rturne10@tnstate.edu.