The University has launched a new Research Security Training Program. Research Security training is listed as one of four elements of a Research Security Program required by the National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM 33), issued on Jan. 14, 2021, to safeguard our research ecosystem. The "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022" codified this training requirement for federal research award personnel into law on August 9, 2022.

Under the law, Covered Individuals (e.g., PIs, Co-PIs, key/senior research personnel or anyone meeting the definition of “Investigator”) are required to complete Research Security Training as a condition of federal research funding. 

Harvard’s Office of Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) and representatives from across the University have developed a Harvard-specific training to facilitate compliance with federal requirements. It provides a high-level overview of security aspects of International Collaborations, Cybersecurity, International Travel and Federal Disclosure Requirements. Case studies and links to Harvard resources are included. The new training has been tested, reviewed, and edited by Faculty PIs and compliance officers from across the University, to ensure its clarity, relevancy, and compliance with federal requirements.

All Covered Individuals who are participating in federally funded sponsored research on or after January 31, 2025 at Harvard University are required to take Harvard’s Research Security Training. The training will be assigned to Covered Individuals on January 31, 2025and available through the Harvard Training Portal (HTP) starting January 1, 2025. Additional information about the training and how to access it is available in the FAQs. 

The Research Security Training and Resources are available on theOVPR Research Security Program Page. Questions about this new requirement or Harvard’s implementation? Refer to the Research Security Training FAQs and/or the OSP Blog. For HMS-related questions contact International_Collaborations@hms.harvard.edu.