NOAA Research Security Program

Research security helps NOAA and its partners:

• Protect the integrity and credibility of scientific research
• Safeguard intellectual property, research data, and technological innovation
• Protect researchers and scientific personnel from undue foreign influence or exploitation
• Secure sensitive environmental data, models, and observing systems
• Maintain public trust in NOAA science and federal research programs
• Preserve NOAA’s ability to support open, collaborative, and internationally recognized scientific research

In an increasingly interconnected global research environment, research security ensures NOAA science remains trusted, transparent, and protected from misuse.

Research security is not intended to restrict legitimate international scientific collaboration.

Research security is not:

• A barrier to international partnerships or collaboration
• General agency cybersecurity operations
• Scientific misconduct investigations
• Intellectual property management or technology commercialization
• Physical security or operational safety activities

Instead, research security focuses specifically on mitigating risks posed by individuals or entities attempting to exploit the openness of the U.S. research environment.

NOAA’s Research Security Program supports scientists, program managers, and research partners by:

• Providing guidance on research security risks and responsible international collaboration
• Helping researchers navigate evolving federal research security policies and requirements
• Promoting transparency in research affiliations, funding, and partnerships
• Supporting compliance with federal disclosure requirements and national policy guidance
• Providing training and awareness on responsible research security practices
• Assisting in identifying and mitigating potential research security risks

These efforts help ensure NOAA-funded research remains open, collaborative, and secure.

Researchers and program participants are encouraged to seek guidance when questions arise regarding international collaborations or research security considerations. Common situations include:

• International research collaborations or partnerships
• Agreements with foreign institutions or research organizations
• Participation in international conferences, workshops, or meetings
• Hosting international visiting scientists or research personnel
• International research travel related to NOAA-funded work
• Participation in foreign talent recruitment programs or similar initiatives

Researchers

• Foreign

• Domestic

International Travel Requests

• Meetings

• Conferences

• Visits

• Assistance in Kind

International Collaborations

• Engagement

• Publications

International Requests for Products / Services / Software Tools

• Products produced

• Services provided

• Databases

• Online research tools

Funding Opportunities

• Contracts

• Grants

• Cooperative R&D agreements

Authority: The collection of this information is authorized under 5 U.S.C. § 301 and 7531-332, Departmental regulations; 5 U.S.C. § 552a, Records maintained on individuals, 15 U.S.C.§ 1512, Powers and duties of the Department, 5 U.S.C. App-Inspector General Act of 1978, 2; E.O. 11625; 44 U.S.C. 1301; Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12; E.O. 13587; National Security Presidential Memorandum-33; E.O. 10450, 11478, 12065; 15 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.;28 U.S.C. 533-535; Equal Employment Act of 1972; and all existing, applicable Department policies, and regulations.

Purpose: The Department of Commerce (Department) is enabling a reporting module to assist the NOAA Research Security Program in assessing and managing potential research security concerns. This initiative is designed to protect NOAA’s scientific research, data, and intellectual property while continuing to foster international collaboration.

Routine Uses: The Department will use this information to determine if NOAA programs or laboratories are affected or at risk as a result of the submitted concern. Disclosure of this information is permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a) and may be shared among authorized Department personnel, affiliates, and other federal agencies with a mission need to know in the performance of their duties. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all of the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notice COMMERCE/NOAA-11, Contact Information for Members of the Public Requesting or Providing Information Related to NOAA’s Mission, COMMERCE/DEPT-13, Investigative and Security Records, COMMERCE/DEPT-23, Information Collected Electronically in Connection with Department of Commerce Activities, Events, and Programs, COMMERCE/DEPT-25, Access Control and Identity Management System, COMMERCE/DEPT-27, Investigation and Threat Management Records, . Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. However, failure to report concerns may limit NOAA’s ability to identify, assess, and mitigate research security risks.