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NSF SECURE Center
Research Security Briefing

Vol. 2, No. 5
February 6, 2026

Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation or other US Government Agencies.

The 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.

Federal News & Updates

NIH Anticipated to Issue ‘Leniency Period’ for Compliance with Common Forms via SciENcv

On January 27, 2026, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) updated its FAQs on “Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support,” stating that NIH will not withdraw initial applications, JITs, RPPRs, or Prior Approvals submitted on or after January 25 that fail to use Common Forms via SciENcv for Biographical Sketches, Current and Pending (Other) Support and NIH Biographical Sketch Supplements, as the agency had previously communicated.  Instead, eRA Commons users will continue to receive a warning message.
 

At the recent FDP Meeting, NIH representatives stated they anticipate this period of leniency will be in place through May 2026, and that NIH will release a notice of policy change (NOT) in the near future regarding the period of leniency.

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.

US’s shadow looms over Japan-China academic exchanges
(University World News, 2/4/2026)

The article highlights how geopolitical pressures, particularly from the United States, are increasingly shaping academic collaboration between Japan and China. It argues that, while scholarly engagement and exchange have traditionally relied on mutual trust and openness, recent shifts in U.S. policy and security concerns are casting a long “shadow” over these ties, triggering greater scrutiny of joint research, talent flows and institutional cooperation. The piece cautions that broadly extending security measures across all academic disciplines risks undermining the international exchange that drives scientific progress and soft power, and encourages a more balanced, proportionate approach that safeguards research integrity without stifling legitimate collaboration. (more)

Former Fed Adviser Is Acquitted of Economic Espionage Conspiracy Charges
(Wall Street Journal, 2/3/2026)

A Wall Street Journal report describes the acquittal of John Rogers, a former senior adviser at the Federal Reserve, on charges of conspiring to commit economic espionage on behalf of China, in a case closely watched by the research and national security communities. While jurors rejected prosecutors’ claims that Rogers knowingly shared sensitive Federal Reserve economic information with Chinese intelligence officers posing as academics, they did convict him of making false statements to investigators about whether he had shared restricted information. The case highlighted longstanding concerns about foreign intelligence targeting U.S. research and policy institutions, as well as the vulnerabilities created through long-term relationship cultivation, overseas academic engagements, and personal pressures. (more)

Leading with openness, not fear: How unis can run national security reviews more effectively
(Future Campus, 1/23/2026)

In this opinion piece, the author argues that national security reviews have become a core leadership discipline for universities operating in an increasingly complex global environment.  Universities must  incorporate proportional, transparent and strategic review processes into their research governance. The author stresses that effective security assessments should balance risk mitigation with the sector’s fundamental mission of open collaboration and knowledge exchange.
 

Drawing on developments in Australia, he suggests that institutions can lead globally by strengthening partnerships with government and inter-institutional structures.  The article calls for clear frameworks that protect people and intellectual capital while preserving academic freedom and fostering the collaborations that drive innovation. (more)

Registration is open for COGR’s virtual membership meeting, taking place February 24-27, 2026, and the preliminary agenda has been posted.  Research security-related topics include:
 

  • FDP Cybersecurity Demonstration Update

  • Implementing DOJ’s Bulk Sensitive Data Rule

  • Latest News from the NSF SECURE Center

ASCE 2026 Registration Open

Registration is open for the 2026 Academic Security and Counter Exploitation (ASCE) Program, marking the10th anniversary of the largest research security conference in the world: February 24 - 26, 2026. (more)

COGR February 2026 Virtual Meeting Registration Open, Preliminary Agenda Available

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.

RISC Bulletin

NSF SECURE Opportunities, Updates & Resources

Researchers in Quantum and Computer Science Sought for Input on RS Resources

Faculty Researchers at universities, non-profits or other research institutions, who have received federal funding and are working in quantum computing, computer science, and related fields are invited to volunteer for short virtual information-gathering sessions.  The sessions, organized by the NSF-funded SECURE Center, aim to gather researchers’ perspectives on challenges related to research security and international collaboration, with a focus on developing practical, low-burden resources to address these challenges. Participation will directly inform future guidance, training, and tools intended to reduce administrative workload and impediments to international collaborations while safeguarding research. Openings are currently available for sessions on:
 

  • Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 1-2:00 pm ET

  • Friday, February 20, 2026, 2-3:00 pm ET
     

Faculty researchers are encouraged to share this opportunity with research colleagues who may be interested. Questions or interest to participate should be directed to SECURE Center staff at researchsecurity@nd.edu.

SECURE Center Calendar of Events

Each week the 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 SECURE Research Security Briefings

2026 issues of the Research Security Briefing are available on the 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. 

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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.

Briefing Contents

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