Outside activities involving international collaborations, consulting arrangements, business activities or International engagements of any kind are a key focus of state and federal authorities with respect to national security risks. Foreign individuals, entities, agencies, or governments may also present conflicts in a variety of ways including secrecy requirements, recruitment or training incentives, false attributions, employment, gifts, travel and/or other services or financial interests.
University employees and researchers must specifically disclose any sources of foreign financial support, the types of financial interests involved, and any other support provided by another institution, or provided directly to a University employee or researcher. Such support must also be disclosed even if it relates to work that is performed outside of the applicable University employee or researcher’s appointment period (i.e., outside 9-month appointment).
Participation in a foreign talent program, foreign state program, or programs similar, obligating a university employee or researcher to transfer knowledge, expertise, or engage in recruitment efforts must be disclosed. Talent program participants have faced charges of export-control law violations, economic espionage, theft of trade secrets, and grant and tax fraud.
In relation to federal and state requirements regarding international relationships, we must ensure employees are transparently disclosing 100% of all affiliations, and employees are seeking prior approval before establishing any affiliations, collaborations, agreements, or accepting of gifts.