In a Feb. 17 message to the research community, David Conover, vice president for research and innovation, and Dennis Galvan, dean and vice provost for global engagement, provided guidance on disclosure of foreign engagement activity by UO researchers and announced a new International Research Relationships and Activities webpage.
“As a university community, we strive to ensure a welcoming environment for students and faculty from everywhere, and open opportunities for our students and staff to discover the world,” the message read. “At the same time, over the past several years, numerous federal agencies and Congress have raised concerns regarding inappropriate foreign state influence on research conducted at U.S. universities, including the potential for theft of intellectual property.”
In addition to providing guidance and resources reminding researchers of their compliance obligations, the webpage serves as a clearinghouse for federal requirements and other information on international research collaboration. The webpage:
- Contains detailed best practices for disclosing foreign relationships and activities.
- Links to tools and timely updates, including recent memos and notices from federal funding agencies.
- Links to related resources such as the UO’s laptop loaner program and guidance on federal regulations on international activities.
Relevant changes, updates and new information will be posted on the webpage. The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, Government and Community Relations, Office of the General Counsel, and Division of Global Engagement continue to monitor new restrictions, new regulations, best practices and guidance provided by funding agencies regarding overseas collaborations.
“Even in light of these emerging requirements and exposure to security risks, we hope that you will continue to engage in open and multinational research activity, which has long been a vital component of research and scholarship excellence,” the message read. “Our longstanding commitment to collaborative research has enabled the University of Oregon to remain globally competitive and provided us with continued opportunities to advance science for the benefit of society.”