Research Security

"Protect. Comply. Advance."

Research security is an essential component of Tennessee State University’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity, reliability, and openness of its research enterprise. It ensures that our faculty, staff, and students conduct research responsibly while protecting against undue foreign influence, cyber threats, theft of intellectual property, and breaches of confidentiality.

In alignment with federal requirements—including the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33), and agency-specific guidance from the NSF, NIH, and USDA—TSU maintains robust policies and training to strengthen research security and compliance.

Key Areas of Research Security

Disclosure and Transparency

Researchers must fully disclose all foreign and domestic affiliations, support, and collaborations in grant proposals, progress reports, and conflict-of-interest statements.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection

TSU implements institutional safeguards to protect sensitive and controlled research data from unauthorized access, including compliance with federal cybersecurity standards and use of secure data management systems.

Export Control Compliance

The university ensures that research activities comply with U.S. export control regulations, including the EAR, ITAR, and OFAC sanctions programs, particularly when involving foreign nationals, international collaborations, or controlled technologies.

Researcher Training

All senior and key personnel on federally funded projects are required to complete Research Security Training prior to proposal submission. Training topics include cybersecurity, disclosure obligations, and foreign influence awareness.

International Collaboration Oversight

TSU encourages international partnerships that advance knowledge while ensuring compliance with U.S. laws and institutional policies governing research integrity and national security.

Training Requirements

Federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) now require completion of research security training within 12 months prior to submitting a proposal.
Approved training options include:

  • CITI Program Research Security Course
  • Federal agency-provided online training modules