Research security at universities is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information, intellectual property, and national security interests. NSPM-33, or National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/010422-NSPM-33-Implementation-Guidance.pdf , outlines the guidelines and policies for securing research activities, particularly those involving sensitive or classified information. 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. 

EXPORT CONTROLS

Export control laws are federal regulations that govern how certain information, technologies, and commodities can be transmitted overseas or to a foreign national on U.S. soil. The scope of the regulations is broad: they cover exports in virtually all fields of science, engineering, and technology and apply to research activities regardless of the source of funding. Failure to comply with these laws can have serious consequences, both for the institution and for the individual researcher. Potential penalties include fines and possibly imprisonment. It is thus critical for UConn researchers to understand their obligations under these regulations and to work with the UConn Export Control Office to ensure that the University is in compliance.

UConn adheres to multiple federal agencies’ regulations pertaining to export controls, but there are three main regulations which the university is concerned with:

• The International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) from the U.S. Department of State, which covers defense articles and defense services.
• The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) from the U.S. Department of Commerce, which govern some commodities, software, technology, and “dual-use” civilian/military articles and technology.
• The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.

UConn’s Export Control Office supports the university’s faculty, staff, and students with questions about and guidance for actions required in order to comply with these various federal regulations.