Research Security Training
Federal research sponsors are, or soon will be, requiring Research Security Training for “covered individuals.” For example, the Department of Energy is now requiring the training at time of proposal for some funding opportunities, and NSF will begin requiring this training effective May 1, 2025. PIs, Co-PIs, senior/key personnel, or other project personnel identified in the request for proposals, notice of funding opportunity, or award terms and conditions must complete Research Security Training.
Research Security Training Program
Research Security Training is one of the four elements of a Research Security Program and is required by new federal regulations for people receiving federal research funding. Penn’s research security training program is designed to address the unique needs, challenges, and risk profiles of the varied research and research-related activities conducted by our researchers both on and off campus.
In addition to basic information about the importance of Research Security, the training provides information on the many Penn offices that support security and international activities for our research community. The module has Researcher specific as well as Research Administrator specific training pathways.
Some sponsors are beginning to require Research Security Training as a condition of award for specific projects. This training will fulfill that requirement.
- Department of Defense: training required on a project-by-project basis
- Department of Energy: research security training requirement for all R&D Notice of Funding Opportunities and awards beginning May 1, 2025.
- Covered Individuals[1] must certify they have completed research security training within 12 months immediately preceding the application date.
- National Science Foundation: research security training requirement included in the upcoming PAPPG.
- National Institutes of Health: TBD
We encourage the research administration community to also complete the training so that you are best prepared to assist faculty with related questions. The link to the training is found at https://www.myworkday.com/upenn/email-universal/inst/17816$1444/rel-task/2998$29489.htmld.
[1] “Covered Individuals” are defined by DOE as PIs, Co-PIs, Project Directors, Co-Project Directors, Project Managers, and any individual regardless of title that is functionally performing as a PI, PD, Co-PI, Co-PD, or project manager.