The U.S. Department of Education, in collaboration with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) and other federal agencies, has released new guidance aimed at helping colleges and universities protect their research from foreign threats.
The Safeguarding Academia bulletin provides colleges and universities with information about the current risk environment on campuses. It details steps that institutions can take to reduce risks linked to foreign talent recruitment programs, overseas research partnerships, espionage by foreign intelligence services, and cyber intrusions. The materials also encourage both institutions and individual researchers to report any suspicious activity or concerns to U.S. authorities.
Paul Moore, Chief Investigative Counsel for the U.S. Department of Education, said: “For decades, hostile foreign actors have exploited the open nature of America’s taxpayer-funded research universities for their benefit, stealing critical technology and research, planting spies, and poaching talent to commit espionage against the United States. This joint bulletin equips colleges and universities with the information to identify and combat this malign foreign infiltration. We hope this bulletin is an effective resource for institutions and researchers, and that educational institutions use this information to uphold their obligations to prevent and mitigate malevolent foreign activity.”
James Cangialosi, Acting Director of NCSC, stated: “U.S. colleges and universities drive critical research that fuels America’s innovation and economic growth, advances our global competitiveness, and contributes to U.S. national security. However, foreign adversaries are increasingly exploiting the open and collaborative environment of U.S. academic institutions for their own gain. Today’s bulletin highlights this evolving security threat and provides mitigation strategies that academic institutions can implement to better protect their research, their institutions, as well as their staff and students. With the new school year starting, it’s critical to get these materials in the hands of academic institutions now.”
The bulletin was developed with input from several federal partners including the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command (ACIC), Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), among others.
Since January 20th, the Department has begun four investigations or records requests related to late or inaccurate reporting of foreign financial contributions at major universities such as Harvard University, University of California Berkeley, University of Michigan, and University of Pennsylvania—an issue governed by Section 117 of the Higher Education Act.
