Training for Research Security
To address the growing concerns around research security, U.S. (United States) federal regulations such as National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) (external link) and the security-related provisions under the CHIPS & Science Act (external link) require specific individuals involved in federally funded research to complete research security training.
Beginning on May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will require all Covered Individuals to complete research security training in the 12 months immediately preceding the application date. Covered Individuals from recipients or subrecipients who are added to an existing DOE award that includes the research security training requirement must complete the training within 30 calendar days of joining. The National Science Foundation (NSF) training requirement is anticipated take effect in October 2025. Ultimately all federal funders will soon require annual research security training, and it is anticipated that research security training will be required prior to proposal submission.
Who must take the training?
Unless specified in more detail by a federal sponsor, a Covered Individual means an individual who contributes in a substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of a Research & Development (R&D) project proposed to be carried out with an award from a federal research agency and is designated as a Covered Individual by the federal research agency. At minimum, any individual designated as key personnel in an application will be considered a Covered Individual.
Where can training be completed?
The course “Research Security Training (Combined)” is available in Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI). Instructions for CITI Training (Word)
- The training is valid for one year from the date of completion. CITI will send reminders when it is time to retake the training.
- The training takes approximately one hour to complete.
When does the training need to be completed?
Prior to proposal submission or within 30 days of being added to an award with the research security training requirement.
Resources for Research Security Training
- The DOE training requirements are detailed in Financial Assistance Letter No. FAL 2025-02 (PDF) (external link) and the DOE Research Security Training Requirement site (external link).
- The National Science Foundation training requirements will become effective with the implementation of the 2025 NSF Proposal and Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) expected to take effect in October 2025. In the interim, the training requirement is detailed on the NSF Research Security Training website (external link).
- Research Security Resources