iscover
The US Department of War has announced changes to protect DOW-funded research from malign foreign influence, intellectual property theft and other forms of exploitation.
Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Emil Michael made the announcement on 8 January. The changes are envisioned to protect the security and economic interests of the United States by identifying vulnerabilities faster, more aggressively enforcing compliance and more rigorously strengthening protections across all DOW-funded research.
Key actions include prohibiting fundamental research assistance award funding to companies listed under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act (Chinese military companies operating in the United States).
It also establishes department-wide Fundamental Research Risk Review Repository to improve information collection and sharing across all DOW components. Also identifying and developing automated vetting and continuous monitoring capabilities where practicable to help detect and mitigate foreign influence risks.
“The War Department is intensifying its efforts to safeguard taxpayer-funded research and is upholding the integrity of America’s scientific community,” Under Secretary Michael said.
“The memorandum directs several immediate steps to strengthen protections across the department’s research enterprise.”
Additional measures include further annual spot checks of research awards, standardised reporting of current and pending foreign support, expanded training for research security personnel and coordinated assessments of cases highlighted by congressional oversight committees.
