Research Security Office

The Research Security Office operates in a system-wide capacity to support researchers in conducting globally engaged research while maintaining rigorous compliance with export control laws and international collaboration frameworks. In strict alignment with the statutory requirements of Texas House Bill 127, the office is responsible for implementing critical risk-mitigation safeguards across the institution. This includes performing mandatory, risk-based screenings and background checks on foreign researchers to prevent the loss of intellectual capital and protect sensitive data.

Additionally, the office manages the preapproval and monitoring process for employment-related foreign travel to foreign adversaries, reviews and restricts prohibited foreign educational software, and establishes reporting mechanisms to ensure ethical compliance regarding gifts from foreign sources. To facilitate compliance for visiting scholars and international partnerships, the office manages a system-wide Global Risk Taskforce that bridges academic and administrative units.

Through these comprehensive measures, the Research Security Office ensures the university system actively mitigates the threats of foreign espionage and interference while advancing secure academic excellence.