The Department of Defense (DoD) has recently taken significant steps to address the issue of unwanted foreign influence on DOD-funded research at institutions of higher education. In a press release, the DoD announced the publication of a list of foreign entities engaged in problematic activities that may compromise national or economic security, research integrity, or invite foreign government interference as described in the Section 1286 of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. Alongside this, the DoD has implemented a policy for risk-based security reviews of fundamental research, ensuring thorough assessments of potential conflicts of interest and commitment arising from foreign influence. These measures underscore the DoD’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the research enterprise and protecting critical technologies from exploitation or compromise.
The DoD urges academic institutions, industry partners, and the public to carefully review the list of foreign entities and exercise caution when engaging with them. By doing so, the DoD aims to enhance awareness and vigilance to safeguard research integrity and prevent the misappropriation of DOD-funded research efforts. Heidi Shyu, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, highlighted the significance of protecting the research enterprise, stating that responsible federal research funding is crucial for national security.
See the complete DOD Press Release for additional details.
