Key Elements of the Research Security Program

Key Elements of the Research Security Program

Export Control:

UNT Health conducts research and other related business activities in accordance with applicable export control laws and regulations. Laws and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Commerce (EAR), the U.S. Department of State (ITAR), and the U.S. Treasury Department (OFAC) are the bases for restricting use of and access to controlled information, goods, and technology for reasons of national security or protection of trade.

The UNT Health Research Security Office works alongside the Office of Export Controls and International Compliance (ECIC).  The ECIC Director serves as the designated Empowered Official (EO), as defined under 22 C.F.R. § 120.67, and is authorized to make institutional determinations related to export-controlled activities in accordance with applicable institutional delegation and responsibilities. All faculty, staff, and students must be aware of and are responsible for the export-control implications of their work and must comply by ensuring that their activities conform to export control laws and regulations. All UNT Health personnel involved in export-controlled Research Activities must complete Export Control Training prior to the beginning of the Research Activity and thereafter according to institutional procedures. Export Controls are managed through UNT Health Policy 1.110, International Compliance.

 

Research Security Training and Insider Threat Awareness:

UNT Health provides training to researchers, staff, and students to increase their understanding of Research Security principles and best practices and to promote a culture of responsibility and awareness regarding Research Security. Consistent with the CHIPS and Science Act § 10634, UNT Health requires research security training, including insider threat awareness, for Covered Individuals prior to submitting federal Research and Development award applications. The Research Security Officer is responsible for implementing research security training modules.

You may access additional information about the Research Security trainings here.

 

International Travel Security:

UNT Health ensures the safety and security of its students, faculty, staff, and other members of its community when traveling abroad for educational, research, or work-related purposes and has procedures in place to minimize risks of foreign interference related to Research Activities. All faculty, staff, and students participating in international University business or University sponsored Travel and initiatives related to Research Activities are required to register international travel before departure through Risk Management. Risk Management will inform the Research Security Officer of all international travel. All international travelers must complete an International Travel Device Checklist and receive a pre-travel briefing by the Research Security Officer or designee in accordance with institutional procedures. In accordance with Texas Executive Order GA-48, UNT Health explicitly prohibits official University business travel to Foreign Adversary Countries (“FAC”) for official University business. Further, Texas Executive Order GA-48 requires faculty and staff who travel to one of the FAC for personal reasons (1) must notify the university prior to travel; and (2) must inform the university of the actual travel dates and purpose of the travel upon return. Faculty and staff who travel to one of the FAC for personal reasons are prohibited from conducting University business, including research activities, associated in any way with that country.

 

Foreign Funding and Relationship Reporting:

The Research Security Officer serves as the institutional coordinating authority to collaborate with all divisions and units on campus including the Office of Sponsored Programs, University Advancement, Academic Units, and UNT System Administration for purposes of ensuring compliance with reporting requirements associated with Research Activities, to the U.S. Department of Education and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regarding foreign funding and relationships in accordance with applicable institutional reporting processes. In accordance with Texas Executive Order GA-48, UNT Health explicitly prohibits contracts, research agreements, financial transactions, or collaborative engagements with entities or individuals considered Foreign Adversaries.

 

Cybersecurity Protections:

Any individual interacting with CUI in connection with Research Activities must comply with applicable federal CUI requirements as implemented through UNT System Regulation 06.10000, Controlled Unclassified Information Protection, to ensure sufficient controls are in place for research-related Controlled Environments as determined through applicable research-security and information-security processes.