Arizona’s public universities strengthen safeguards for research and national security

The Arizona Board of Regents’ 2026 Research Security Report details how Arizona's public universities are protecting research vital to the nation's security and economic strength from foreign government interference, theft and misuse, while preserving the collaboration and openness that drive discovery.

The report finds that Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona have each adopted and published a research security policy. Additionally, each has integrated research security into the processes that govern how research is proposed, funded and conducted. Compliance is verified before proposals are submitted to federal agencies and before newly awarded funding can be spent, helping identify and address risks before they become problems.

"Arizona's public universities have built research enterprises that are recognized globally for their impact and innovation," said ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear. "Much of that work supports priorities that extend beyond our state, including our nation's security. Ensuring it remains protected is a responsibility we take seriously."

A new law passed in the 2026 legislative session amended A.R.S. § 15-1626 and directs the board to require each university to establish, adopt and publicly post on its website a research security policy. The policy must safeguard university research, promote a culture of security and compliance and further national security interests by mitigating potential threats posed by foreign adversary nations.

While the details vary by institution, each university's program is built around protecting research integrity while preserving the academic freedom and international partnerships that advance scientific discovery. Their efforts include disclosures and conflict review, cybersecurity, travel security, insider threat awareness and export controls, along with oversight of activities involving foreign adversary nations. Each university also certifies its compliance to federal agencies when seeking research funding, helping maintain eligibility for federal support.

At ASU, research security is anchored in its Research Security Policy which took effect in Sept. 2026. Researchers disclose their domestic and foreign affiliations, financial interests and outside activities, which the Knowledge Enterprise Office of Research Compliance reviews for completeness and potential conflicts. Researchers also complete ASU-developed certifications tied to specific federal requirements. During fiscal year 2026, 1,286 ASU faculty and staff completed required research security training.

ASU’s protections extend to some of the most sensitive research conducted in higher education. The university conducts classified research under a Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency facility clearance and manages both Controlled Unclassified Information and export-controlled research. Secure research environments, access controls and an Insider Threat Program support that work, while a Security Operations Center provides continuous monitoring.

ASU's approach also emphasizes prevention. The university screens foreign collaborators, faculty hires, visiting scholars and visa applicants and reviews proposed activities involving foreign adversary nations before they proceed. Travel to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea is reviewed quarterly. Skysong Innovations, ASU's intellectual property management company, also reviews licensing requests for risks involving restricted parties and export-controlled technologies.

At NAU, research staff verify that required disclosures, certifications and training are complete before proposals are submitted to federal agencies. Senior and key personnel must certify that they are not participants in a malign foreign talent recruitment program, which NAU has prohibited since 2024. If concerns cannot be adequately mitigated, the proposed activity does not move forward. During the reporting period, 170 NAU employees completed research security training.

The university also concentrates resources where risks are greatest. Every proposal is screened for export control concerns, and export-controlled projects are managed through Technology Control Plans. Foreign contracts are reviewed before execution, and foreign scholars and visitors undergo screening before arriving on campus. Faculty working in higher-risk fields, including engineering, materials science, remote sensing and space exploration, receive targeted outreach and support.

NAU's efforts also highlight the collaborative nature of Arizona's public university system. While the university builds its own Secure Research Enclave to federal standards, it is using a secure environment provided by ASU to support its current Controlled Unclassified Information project. NAU adopted its interim Research Security Policy in Sept. 2026, and is bringing its research security activities under a centralized Research Security Program. 

At the U of A, research activity similarly cannot proceed until security requirements have been satisfied. Proposals are not submitted to federal agencies until researchers' training and conflict disclosures have been verified as current. New federal awards are placed on hold until conflict reviews are completed, and researchers certify disclosures under penalty of perjury. The university adopted an interim research security policy in June 2025 and a final policy in February 2026.

The university also maintains extensive review requirements for engagements involving Countries of Concern. Its Research Security Program reviews collaborations, contracts, employment offers, travel, visiting scholars and licensing agreements connected to those countries. New sponsors are evaluated for foreign ownership, control or influence, and individuals and organizations are screened against restricted-party lists. The university prohibits interactions with the Chinese universities known as the "Seven Sons of National Defense," and travelers visiting a Country of Concern must use a university-issued clean laptop.

The report also reflects a commitment to transparency. As state law requires, it lists all foreign grants, gifts, donations and contracts exceeding $250,000. In calendar year 2025, ASU received 46, the U of A received 34 and NAU received four.

All three universities also participate in national organizations that monitor evolving federal requirements and emerging best practices. Together, their programs reflect a shared understanding that research security and research excellence go hand in hand. As research partnerships and global collaboration continue to evolve, Arizona's public universities are working to ensure that the discoveries advancing knowledge, strengthening the economy and supporting national priorities remain secure.

"As research becomes more collaborative, more global and more complex, our universities must be prepared to identify and address risk without slowing the pace of discovery," said Executive Director Chad Sampson. "This report demonstrates the deliberate work Arizona's public universities have undertaken to meet those expectations and protect the integrity of their research enterprise."