Institutional Research Effectiveness & Assessment

Research Security

To protect U.S. Government-supported research and development from foreign interference and misappropriation and ensure the proper handling of academic and/or research data and information resources from unauthorized modification, deletion, or disclosure, the University of South Florida is required to implement a research security program that conforms to the minimum standards outlined in the National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) 2.0.  Specifically, these directives require that the university protect digital information and systems from cyber threats, ensure the security of researchers and their work when they travel abroad, provide training to researchers on how to protect their work from various threats and on the regulations that control the export of certain types of information and technology, and ensure appropriate disclosure of outside activity and potential conflicts of interest or conflicts of commitment.

Role of Institutional Research Effectiveness and Assessment (IREA)

To maintain transparency and integrity, researchers and research organizations must disclose relevant information when applying for federal R&D awards to enable sponsors to assess conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. Violation of disclosure requirements can have serious consequences for the institution, including permanent debarment from receiving federal financial assistance (e.g., grants, student financial aid, loans). Work in conjunction with Research Integrity & Compliance, the Office of Compliance & Ethics, the Office of the General Counsel, Information Technology, and colleges and administrative units to ensure that adequate controls are implemented to facilitate disclosure and foster compliance and assist with the development of appropriate training modules as needed.