Research Security Training: Beginning October 10, 2025, all individuals identified by the proposer as senior/key personnel must certify to NSF that they have completed Research Security Training within 12 months of submitting their proposal. This ensures that researchers understand proper foreign collaborations, disclosure of all foreign interests, and protection of research data and intellectual property.

For more information: Updates to NSF Research Security Policies

Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP): Under NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 24-1), starting June 7, 2025, PIs or Co-PIs on awards made on or after May 20, 2024 must complete an annual certification that they are not part of a MFTRP. NSF may contact PIs and Co-PIs directly or prompt them when logging into Research.gov. Certification must be completed before submitting an Annual Project Report or performing other Research.gov activities.

If you have not been prompted to complete certification, contact your assigned grant and contract officer from Sponsored Programs.

Additional Required Training: All UC researchers receiving federal funding must complete the UC Ethics and Compliance Briefing for Researchers (online via UC Learning Center (UCLC)), which covers ethical behavior, disclosure requirements, export control regulations, and conflicts of interest. Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training is also required for faculty, senior personnel, postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students participating in NSF-funded research. Training frequency and format details: rci@ucmerced.edu

Research Security Training: Beginning May 1, 2025, all covered individuals listed on DOE proposals must certify to DOE that they have completed Research Security Training within 12 months of submitting their proposal. Covered individuals joining DOE awards after May 1, 2025 must also complete training before participating in award activities. DOE defines a covered individual as anyone contributing substantively to the project and designated as covered, including PIs, Co-PIs, project directors, and project managers.

For more information: DOE Order 486.1A, Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities (2020)

Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP): DOE Order 486.1A prohibits awardees from participating in any MFTRP. Awardees should review DOE Order 486.1A for further guidance on restrictions related to other foreign government-sponsored or affiliated activities.

Additional Required Training: Researchers engaged in DOE-funded projects that involve international collaborations or controlled technology must complete Export Control training (online via UC Learning Center (UCLC)). Contact the Export Control Office: exportcontrols@ucmerced.edu

Research Security Training: Beginning October 1, 2025, all senior/key personnel on active NIH awards must complete Research Security Training. NIH defines senior/key personnel as the program director, PI, or anyone contributing substantively to the scientific development or execution of a project, generally including those with doctoral or professional degrees.

For more information: NIH Announces a New Policy Requirement to Train Senior/Key Personnel on Other Support Disclosure Requirements

Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP): NIH’s Decision Matrix for Assessing Potential Foreign Interference (2024) outlines how the agency evaluates MFTRP involvement. NIH researchers should review NIH Foreign Interference resources to protect against inappropriate foreign influence in their research.

Additional Required Training: Researchers receiving NIH funding are also expected to complete RCR training and the UC Ethics and Compliance Briefing for Researchers via UC Learning Center (UCLC), covering ethical conduct, proper disclosure, and responsible collaboration.

All federal research awardees must complete Research Security Training and any agency‑specific requirements (NSF, DOE, NIH). UC Merced researchers are also required to complete:

• UC Ethics and Compliance Briefing for Researchers (via UC Learning Center)
• Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training – via CITI Program

See the UC Merced Research Training Matrix for details. For questions, contact rci@ucmerced.edu.

Before international travel, contact exportcontrols@ucmerced.edu and review UC Merced’s International Travel Guidance. Certain destinations or research may require additional review for export compliance or security risks.

A Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) is a foreign‑government‑sponsored or affiliated program that offers compensation or other incentives (such as research funding, honorary titles, travel, or equipment) in exchange for participation, often requiring disclosure of intelligence, transfer of U.S. research or intellectual property, or dual‑appointment conflicts.

Participation in an MFTRP is prohibited for federally funded researchers. Contact rci@ucmerced.edu before engaging in any program involving foreign appointments or compensation.