UMass Lowell supports the maintenance of an open environment to foster research discoveries and innovation.  However, it is important that processes are implemented to protect intellectual capital, discourage research misappropriation, and ensure responsible management of United States taxpayer dollars.  The overall term to describe these protections is “Research Security”, and it encompasses multiple areas, covering such topics as Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs), conflicts of interest and commitment, export controls, international collaborations, and travel safety.

Research security at universities is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information, intellectual property, and national security interests. NSPM-33, or National Security Presidential Memorandum 33, outlines the guidelines and policies for securing research activities. This memorandum emphasizes the need for universities to implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or exploitation of research findings that could potentially harm national security or economic interests. By adhering to NSPM-33 and implementing research security measures, universities can ensure the protection of valuable research assets while also fostering a collaborative and transparent research environment.

UMass has also adopted its own policy on MFTRPs, and together with the U.S. government has implemented a research security training requirement, details of which can be found on ORI’s training page.

For further assistance, or if you have any questions, please contact Thomas Porro, Director of Research Integrity, at Thomas_Porro@uml.edu or 978-934-3207.