Research Security Training

Research security training helps investigators understand federal sponsor requirements, promote transparency, safeguard federally funded research, and identify potential research security risks associated with domestic and international research activities.

Federal agencies are implementing research security training requirements under NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act. While sponsor requirements vary, Stony Brook University provides a single institutional training program that satisfies the baseline research security training requirement for most federal sponsors.

Research security training is one component of the University's broader research training requirements. Depending on an individual's role, funding, and research activities, additional training may be required, including Conflict of Interest (COI), Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), and Export Control training. These courses address different requirements, and completion of one does not necessarily satisfy the requirements for another.

Do I Need Research Security Training?

Research security training is required for:

• Faculty participating in externally sponsored research, as required by applicable sponsor policies.
• Investigators and other individuals who meet a federal sponsor's definition of a Covered Individual.
• Individuals required to complete training under the University's Policy on International Engagements.

Research security training is strongly encouraged for:

• Faculty, staff, students, and postdoctoral scholars involved in international collaborations, international travel, international visitors, or other international research activities.

If you are unsure whether training is required, contact the Office of Research Security (ORS).

Which Research Security Course Should I Take?

Complete one of the following CITI courses:

Most faculty should complete the Research Security Training (Condensed) course unless a sponsor or project requires more extensive training.

Some federal sponsors or specific awards may require additional or project-specific training. Investigators should review the applicable funding opportunity and award requirements.

How Do I Complete Research Security Training?

Research security training is completed through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI).

1. Log in using Log In Through My Organization with your NetID.
2. Select Add a Course.
3. Choose Research Security Training.
4. Select the appropriate course.
5. Complete the training.

Completion in CITI automatically creates the University's official training record.

Federal Research Security Training Requirements

Federal agencies establish their own research security training requirements. Unless otherwise specified, training generally must have been completed within 12 months before proposal submission.

ORS monitors changes to federal sponsor requirements and updates this guidance as agencies implement new research security policies.

Related Research Training Requirements

Research Security Training does not replace other training that may be required based on an individual's research activities, funding, or sponsor requirements.

Conflict of Interest (COI) Training

Individuals participating in externally funded research may be required to complete Conflict of Interest (COI) training.

COI training addresses requirements related to identifying, disclosing, and managing financial interests and other circumstances that may create an actual or potential conflict of interest in research.

COI training and disclosure requirements are administered through the Office of Research Security (ORS). Researchers should complete COI training as required by applicable University policy, federal sponsor requirements, or the terms of an award.

Contact ORS if you are unsure whether COI training or disclosure requirements apply to you.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training may be required based on an individual's role, career stage, funding source, or sponsor requirements.

RCR training addresses responsible practices in the conduct of research and is administered through the University's Office of Research Compliance (ORC). Researchers should consult ORC guidance to determine whether RCR training applies to them.

Export Control Training

Export Control training may be required when an individual participates in an export-controlled project or activity or when training is required as part of a Technology Control Plan, export authorization, or other export-control compliance measure.

ORS may also recommend export control training for individuals whose activities involve or may involve:

• Export-controlled items, software, technology, or technical data.
• International shipments or transfers of research items, materials, software, or technology.
• Foreign-person access to controlled technology or technical data.
• International research activities presenting export-control considerations.
• Other activities for which ORS identifies an export-control training need.

Export control training is administered through the Office of Research Security (ORS). Contact ORS if you are unsure whether export control training applies to your project or activity.

Sponsor-Specific Guidance

Research security training is only one component of sponsor compliance.

Depending on the sponsor, project, and activity, additional requirements may include:

• Research security disclosures.
• Current and Pending (Other) Support.
• Common Disclosure Forms.
• Foreign appointments and affiliations.
• International collaborations.
• Conflict of Interest disclosures and training.
• Responsible Conduct of Research training.
• Export control reviews, authorizations, and training, as applicable.
• Research security certifications.
• Research information protection and cybersecurity requirements.
• Sponsor- or award-specific requirements.

See:

• Federal Sponsor Disclosure Requirements
• Federal Sponsor Research Security Guidance

for additional information.

Questions?

For questions about Research Security, Conflict of Interest (COI), or Export Control training, or if you are unsure whether these requirements apply to your role, project, or activity, contact the Office of Research Security (ORS).

For questions regarding Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training, consult the Office of Research Compliance (ORC).