The U.S. Department of Education, in coordination with the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC) and other federal partners, issued new guidance on Aug. 25 warning American colleges and universities about increasing foreign threats to academic research.
The bulletin from the federal government agencies – titled Safeguarding Academia – outlines steps institutions can take to protect their campuses and intellectual property.
The joint guidance features practical mitigation strategies for U.S. academic institutions facing threats such as foreign talent recruitment programs, overseas research collaborations, cyber intrusions, and the espionage activities of foreign intelligence services.
Accompanying reference materials highlight best practices for both institutions and individual researchers, while urging schools to report suspicious activity to appropriate authorities.
“For decades, hostile foreign actors have exploited the open nature of America’s taxpayer-funded research universities for their benefit, stealing critical technology and research, planting spies, and poaching talent to commit espionage against the United States,” said Paul Moore, chief investigative counsel at the Department of Education.
“This joint bulletin equips colleges and universities with the information to identify and combat this malign foreign infiltration,” he said. “We hope this bulletin is an effective resource for institutions and researchers, and that educational institutions use this information to uphold their obligations to prevent and mitigate malevolent foreign activity.”
The federal agencies emphasized the urgency of protecting U.S. innovation. Academic research conducted in American institutions plays a critical role in maintaining global competitiveness and national security – and its vulnerability has become a growing concern for intelligence and education officials alike, the agencies said.
“U.S. colleges and universities drive critical research that fuels America’s innovation and economic growth, advances our global competitiveness, and contributes to U.S. national security,” said James Cangialosi, who is acting director of the NCSC.
“However, foreign adversaries are increasingly exploiting the open and collaborative environment of U.S. academic institutions for their own gain,” he said.
“Today’s bulletin highlights this evolving security threat and provides mitigation strategies that academic institutions can implement to better protect their research, their institutions, as well as their staff and students. With the new school year starting, it’s critical to get these materials in the hands of academic institutions now,” Cangialosi said.
