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NSF SECURE Center
Research Security Briefing

Vol. 2, No. 13
April 17, 2026

The NSF SECURE Center distributes research security briefings and timely alerts via its listserv. The Briefing provides a centralized resource for research security-related information, including new statutory and research funding agency requirements, new or updated federal and community resources, and significant news items and scholarly works. The Center will also assess and provide commentary, interpretation, or implementation considerations on new requirements, notices and resources, working with higher education associations, legal partners, or agencies as needed.

Briefing Contents

Federal News & Updates

USDA NIFA Terms and Conditions Webinar

​The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) held a webinar on April 15, 2026, that included an overview of the implementation of USDA’s General Terms and Conditions (GT&Cs) that went into effect on December 31, 2025 (as described in Research Security Briefing vol. 2, no. 1), and updates on USDA’s adoption of the federal “Common Forms” via SciENcv for the creation of Biographical Sketches and Current & Pending (Other) Support documentation.  A recording of the webinar will be made available on the USDA website, and a recap of the session will be included in an upcoming Research Security Briefing.

NSF SECURE Center DoW Risk Matrix Webinar Recap*

On April 14, 2026, the NSF SECURE Center held a webinar with Kris Gardner, Director of Science and Technology Protection in the U.S. Department of War (DoW).  Gardner joined NSF SECURE Center Deputy Director Lori Schultz to discuss recent updates to the DOW’s “Component Decision Matrix to Inform Fundamental Research Proposal Mitigation Decisions.”

 

Gardner outlined the Department’s central challenge: protecting national security while preserving the openness that drives U.S. research innovation. Under NSPM-33, the Department has implemented a risk-based research security review framework for research proposals, supported by a decision matrix that evaluates four core areas: foreign talent recruitment programs, funding sources, foreign patents, and entity list involvement. The process and matrix were originally published in June 2023, and the matrix was previously updated in May 2025. The March 9, 2026, matrix updates simplify the risk mitigation categories from five to three and standardize a five-year review window.

 

A significant portion of the discussion focused on an expansion of restricted lists, particularly the 1286 and 1260H lists. New guidance prohibits not only collaboration with listed entities but, with respect to the 1260H list, also the use of equipment from these entities in funded research, increasing institutional responsibility for vetting procurement of research equipment.

 

During Q&A, participants raised concerns about unclear definitions (e.g., “collaboration”), where primary responsibility resides for screening individuals and co-authors, and how the rules apply in complex academic environments. Gardner emphasized that reviews are project-specific, with a preference for mitigation strategies over outright denial.  Gardner also emphasized that research security should be treated as an evolving culture and value rather than a compliance checklist.

 

The discussion highlighted that research security policies continue to mature, with ongoing refinement driven by institutional feedback and interagency coordination. While the DoW aims for transparency and consistency, many implementation details such as handling legacy equipment, co-authorship norms, and changing entity designations, still require clarification, reinforcing the need for continued dialogue between DoW and research institutions. 

 

Gardner encourages institutions with questions about the research security matrix or related requirements to contact the Academic Liaison at osd.mc-alex.ousd-r-e.mbx.academic-liaison@mail.mil.

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A recording of the webinar is available on the NSF SECURE Center YouTube channel.

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​*Content for this summary was first generated by an AI tool using a recording transcript, then reviewed and edited by subject matter experts who attended the webinar.

SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Signed into Law, Includes Research Security Requirements

On April 13, 2026, President Trump signed into law the “Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act.”  The law extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for five years, through Fiscal Year 2031, and amends the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638) to include additional research security-related requirements, such as the expanded mandate for agencies to evaluate security risks, specifically focusing on foreign ownership, control, or influence with regard to foreign countries of concern.  The law also requires federal agencies, when denying an application due to research security concerns, to provide small businesses with the basis for the determination.

SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Signed into Law, Includes Research Security Requirements

The National Science Foundation (NSF) will be holding a webinar on April 29, 2026, from 4-5:30pm EST, highlighting and differentiating the range of research security funding opportunities from multiple NSF directorates appropriate for those involved in research security policy, implementation, administration, and research. All organization types, including those in EPSCoR jurisdictions, are encouraged to attend. The following NSF programs will participate:


Register now to learn more.  Note that content provided at the April 29 webinar will be identical to that presented at the April 2, 2026, session.

Research Security News, Reports & Events

Please note, articles linked below may require a subscription to view.

NSF SECURE Center cannot distribute copies of subscription-based articles.

Chinese researcher's death after questioning in U.S. prompts anger in Beijing

Various news organizations, including the BBC and the Michigan Daily have reported that China has expressed deep distress following the death of Chinese semiconductor researcher Dr. Danhao Wang, an assistant research scientist based at the University of Michigan, who died shortly after questioning by US law enforcement.  After Wang’s fatal fall from a campus building, the University of Michigan has stated that it is investigating "a possible act of self-harm.”  The Chinese government has called for a thorough investigation. The situation highlights the growing pressure on Chinese academics amid heightened US national security concerns and increased scrutiny that, critics argue, is fostering a climate of fear.

RISC Bulletin

Texas A&M University’s Research and Innovation Security and Competitiveness (RISC) Institute disseminates weekly RISC Media Bulletins, covering topics related to research security, foreign influence, and the intersection of science, technology, and national security.  To join the distribution list for the RISC Bulletin or view previous editions, click here.

NSF SECURE Opportunities, Updates & Resources

Updated Risk Matrix Reference Guide Available

The NSF SECURE Center's Risk Matrix Reference Guide has been updated to reflect the Department of War's March 9, 2026, matrix updates.  Changes include the removal of "Mitigation Recommended" and "Mitigation Suggested," leaving only "Prohibited," "Mitigation Measures Required," or "No Mitigation Needed."  Other updates include applicable dates (standard five-year lookback) and, more significantly, the inclusion of nine additional restricted lists.  Details on the DoW’s matrix updates can be found in Research Security Briefing vol. 2, no. 9 and in a recent NSF SECURE Center webinar with DoW Director of Science and Technology Protection, Kris Gardner.  In addition, working with the community, the NSF SECURE Center published a communications template for the DoW matrix updates that can be adapted by institutions as needed for engagement with their campuses/researchers.

Registration Open: NSF SECURE Center SPARK Webinar - Strengthening Shared Awareness in Research Security

The NSF SECURE Center will host a webinar on May 1, 2026, at 12:00pm PT (1:00pm MT, 2:00pm CT, 3:00pm ET) with Dr. Narcisa Pricope, Professor and Assoc Vice President for Research at Mississippi State University, and John Talerico, AVP for Research Security at Virginia Tech University. Pricope will introduce the NSF SECURE Center’s Incident Reporting System, a pilot tool designed to help research security professionals share and learn from activities of concern across institutions. The session will explore how the system enables users to document observations, identify emerging patterns, and learn from peer responses to strengthen early awareness and institutional decision making.

 

Registration is open via this link.

Reminder: NSF SECURE Center Webinar on Research Security by Design with Amanda Humphrey and Lee Stadler

Shared Virtual Environment (SVE) Website Access

The NSF SECURE Center will host a webinar on April 28, 2026, at 10:30am PT (11:30am MT, 12:30pm CT, 1:30pm ET) with Amanda Humphrey, Chief Research Operations Officer at Northeastern University and Director of the SECURE Northeast Regional Center, and Lee Stadler, Design Lead, NSF SECURE Center. Humphrey and Stadler will explore how institutions can develop and sustain research security programs in a complex and evolving landscape.

 

Registration remains open via this link.

Are you a member of the NSF SECURE Center’s Shared Virtual Environment (SVE)?  The NSF SECURE Center’s website now includes a direct login for the SVE—still using the two-factor security protocol.  Not a member yet?  Request access from the same site.  Within the SVE, members can engage in the Community Forum to connect, ask questions, and work through challenges together, access NSF SECURE Center resources, and more. Recent topics in the Community Forum include research security training, CMMC certification, foreign gifts and contracts, as well as announcements of upcoming webinars and timely articles.

NSF SECURE Center Calendar of Events

Each week the NSF SECURE Center hosts events through the National and Regional Centers, including co-creation workshops, educational, and engagement sessions with the research community. The events calendar provides more information about these opportunities and more.

Previous NSF SECURE Center Research Security Briefings

2026 issues of the Research Security Briefing are available on the NSF SECURE Center website.

A combined, searchable version of all 2025 issues of the Briefing is also available.

Looking to participate in NSF SECURE Center co-creation activities or contribute to weekly briefings?

Contact info@secure-center.org or sign up here.

The information provided by the NSF SECURE Center is intended for general research and educational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of our content, we do not guarantee its completeness, timeliness, or applicability to specific circumstances. Each user is responsible for conducting their own risk assessments and making decisions based on independent judgment.

 

Further, the NSF SECURE Center does not provide professional or legal advice, and users are encouraged to consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on the information found here. The NSF SECURE Center shall not be liable for any damages or costs of any type arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this information. External links are provided for convenience and do not constitute an endorsement of the content or services offered by any third-party resources.

 

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Cooperative Agreement No. 2403771.  Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation or other U.S. Government Agencies.

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