UC Merced is committed to global research and collaboration as it is fundamental to our core values and research mission. We are dedicated to academic freedom and an open academic environment that embraces and promotes international collaboration.
Simultaneously, UC Merced is bound by federal requirements regarding foreign influence and is committed to transparent research compliance. We recognize and must address the U.S. Government concerns that some foreign entities and governments may attempt to gain advantages by inappropriately acquiring technical knowledge, information, and access to intellectual property. These activities compromise U.S. competitiveness and threaten our national and economic security.
Federal funding agencies have made institutions of higher education keenly aware of their continuing expectations that grantees disclose all foreign financial conflicts of interest, other financial support, foreign components, conflicts of commitment, and other foreign affiliations. UC Merced will continue to vigorously support our international research and collaborations, while also ensuring that we comply with all federal regulations, laws and UC policies. Transparent and continuous compliance not only safeguards UC Merced, but also individual funding awards and recipients.
The purpose of this website is to provide guidance to the UC Merced community, especially faculty who are engaged in international collaborations and scholarly activities. This is a rapidly evolving landscape. We anticipate making regular updates.
Have questions or comments? Contact Leslie Teixeira-Porto at lteixeira@ucmerced.edu or Chou Xiong at cxiong51@ucmerced.edu.
