The DOE, NIH and NSF have published research security training requirements. Learn more »
The condensed single-module Research Security Training (Combined) course satisfies the current requirement for federal agencies (see below).
Lamar University provides Research Security Training through CITI to meet federal requirements. The requirement to complete research security training will be incorporated into all agency proposal/award requirements in calendar year 2026.
Training is required for “covered individuals,” defined as those who contribute in a meaningful way to the development or execution of federally funded research. Federal agencies may interpret this requirement to include researchers, project personnel, and senior/key staff.
Per the "CHIPS and Science Act of 2022," senior/key personnel are required to take the training within one year of a research and development (R&D) application. Institutions/organizations will need to certify annually that these individuals have completed research security training that meets the guidelines in the act.
Many federal agencies require research security training. Organizations may use various research security training options, including the NSF versions, CITI Program’s own version, or their own. As noted by the NSF, the [“CHIPS and Science Act of 2022”] “indicates that modules should focus on cybersecurity, international collaboration and international travel, foreign interference, rules for proper use of funds, disclosure, conflict of commitment, conflict of interest and meet the needs of senior/key personnel as well as undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and applicants for awards under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.”
There is one option available through CITI, to meet the requirements:
We strongly encourage researchers to take the Research Security Training (Combined) course as soon as possible through CITI to allow for a permanent record of completion.
Add these courses to your CITI training by visiting the CITI website. Once logged in, click on “View Courses” that are available to Lamar University. Go to the bottom of the page that lists the courses and click “Add a Course” in the “Learner Tools for Lamar University” box. Scroll down to Question 11 (“Research Security”) and select the courses you want to add.
The Research Security Training course (4 modules) was developed by the National Science Foundation as part of its Research Security Training program. The Research Security Training (Combined) was developed by the NSF SECURE Center, and will eventually replace the four modules of the Research Security Training.