Research Security

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is committed to supporting an open, collaborative research environment while protecting the integrity, security, and continued success of the University's research enterprise.

Research security involves safeguarding research and development from risks such as unauthorized access, misappropriation, conflicts of interest or commitment, incomplete disclosure, and foreign government interference or exploitation. Research security requirements may arise from federal law and policy, sponsor requirements, Louisiana law, and University policies and procedures.

Research security is a shared responsibility. Faculty, staff, students, and other members of the research community should be aware of requirements that may apply to their research activities, collaborations, travel, disclosures, and access to University research and resources.

Research Security at UL Lafayette

Research security considerations may arise in activities involving:

• Federally funded research and sponsored projects;
• International research collaborations and partnerships;
• Foreign researchers, visiting scholars, and other international research participants;
• Foreign appointments, affiliations, research support, and other outside activities;
• International travel associated with research or University activities;
• Research data, technology, software, equipment, and other research assets;
• Export-controlled items, technology, software, and technical data;
• Sponsor disclosure, training, and certification requirements; and
• Other activities subject to federal, state, sponsor, or University research security requirements.

The presence of an international collaborator, foreign researcher, or foreign institution does not by itself indicate a research security concern. Reviews are intended to identify applicable requirements and address specific risks while supporting legitimate research and international collaboration.

When to Contact Research Security

Contact the Office of Research Integrity when you are unsure whether a research security requirement applies or when a proposed activity may involve research security, export control, international travel, foreign collaboration, disclosure, screening, or other compliance considerations.

Early review can help identify applicable requirements and address potential issues before a proposal is submitted, an agreement is executed, travel occurs, access is provided, or research activities begin.

Research Security Resources

The U.S. National Science Foundation supports the SECURE Center (Safeguarding the Entire Community of the U.S. Research Ecosystem), which provides research security information, tools, training, and resources for the U.S. research community.

Additional federal, state, and University research security resources are available through the Research Security Resources page.

Assistance

For research security questions or assistance, contact:

Office of Research Integrity
Research Security & Export Controls
researchsecurity@louisiana.edu
337-482-1533