Research Security Training
Federal research agencies are in the process of implementing requirements that each covered individual listed on a proposal for a research and development award certify that they have completed research security training training consistent with Section 10634 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 within 12 months prior to proposal submission. See the below for agency specific implementation dates, applicability, and guidance.
| Federal Agency | Effective Date | Applicability | Agency Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Institutes of Health (NIH) | May 25, 2026 | All individuals identified as senior/key personnel within an NIH proposal. | NIH |
| National Science Foundation (NSF) | October 10, 2025 | All individuals identified as senior/key personnel within an NSF proposal. | NSF |
| US Department of Agriculture (USDA) | July 8, 2025 | All individuals listed within a USDA proposal. | USDA |
| Department of Energy | May 1, 2025 | See Below DoE Covered Individuals Guidance | DoE |
Even if you are not submitting a proposal to a federal agency that requires Research Security Training, we encourage all researchers to complete research security training. Other federal agencies will be implementing similar requirements. While the timing of when training must be completed varies by agency, they all share the goal of promoting research security awareness and protecting the integrity of federally funded research.
DoE Covered Individuals
The DoE Notice of Funding Opportunity and/or terms and conditions of the award will specify the list of designated roles that are considered “Covered Individuals”. At a minimum, this includes (PI); project director (PD); co-principal investigator (Co-PI); co-project director (Co-PD); project manager; and any individual regardless of title that is functionally performing as a PI, PD, Co-PI, Co-PD, or project manager.
The definition of Covered Individuals is program-specific, and the DOE may expand the list of Covered Individuals.
Any individual who qualifies as a Covered Individual (a) listed on the proposal at time of submission, or (b) that is added to the project after submission/award should take the training prior to beginning work.
If you have questions about who is considered a “Covered Individual” on your proposal or award, please contact your Contract & Grant Officer in ORA.
Additional Stanford Resources:
DoR Research Security - The Stanford Research Security, Export Controls, and Global Research Engagement team within the DoR Research Policy and Integrity Office offers guidance and support around federal policies aimed at protecting U.S. research from improper foreign interference. This includes new requirements to establish research security programs for individual projects and the university.