International Engagements
Stony Brook University (SBU) remains committed to the principles of academic freedom and the open exchange of knowledge, which serve as the bedrock of research and scholarship. Our faculty, staff. and students are encouraged to participate in international research activities, as these may promote the creation of knowledge and enrich learning experiences. In addition, such international research activities (both funded and unfunded) should be reviewed and conducted in a manner consistent with applicable requirements, including those of federal and state agencies, as well as SBU's own policies.
SBU Policy International Engagements
Schedule a Meeting with a Research Security Professional
Guidance for International Engagements
Assess and Mitigate Risk in International Activities
Below is general guidance for assessing and mitigating risk in international activities.
For informal international engagements that include high-risk activities and do not require prior approval by an administrative office (e.g., shipments, P-card purchases, collaborations, co-authorship) the faculty or staff member engaging in the activity should submit a request for review.
For formal international engagements, activities that include high-risk activities and require prior approval by an administrative University office (e.g., sponsoring international visiting scholars, international travel, sabbatical leave, Title F leave, appointments at foreign and domestic institutions, outside consulting, externally funded research, human subjects research), either the administrative office or the faculty or staff member could submit a request for a review/consultation.
Request an International Engagement Review (NetID login required)
Professional ActivitiesProfessional Activities Risk Considerations Examples: Conference, meeting, or seminar (attend and/or present). Sabbatical leave, Title F leave, appointments paid or unpaid) at foreign institutions, outside consulting, unfunded research projects, and/or scholarship. |
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International CollaborationsInternational Collaboration Risk Considerations Examples: Funded and unfunded collaborations. Sharing of materials, resources, equipment, and/or visitors. Joint publications and/or conference presentations. |
International Travel SecurityInternational Travel Risk Considerations Examples: Data and electronic device security. Hand-carry/ship items that are or may be export-controlled. Travel to high-risk or embargoed sanctioned countries. |
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International VisitorsInternational Visitor Risk Considerations Examples: Visiting scholars, collaborators, consultants, delegations, laboratory visits/tours, conference, seminar, or lecture participants or attendees, and volunteers. |
Federal Sponsor Risk ReviewsFederal agencies have implemented a variety of policies and processes to counter undue foreign influence, including risk reviews for fundamental research projects. |
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Awareness and TrainingAwareness and Training Resources from the U.S. Government Awareness and training resources from the U.S. Government - Topics such as Eliciation, Academic Solicitation, and Travel Security. |
Higher Risk Activities (from the U.S. Government)
The U.S. federal government has identified certain parties, countries, and areas of research that require additional due diligence when engaging in international activities. These are Restricted Parties, Countries of Concern, Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs, and Critical and Emerging Technologies.
The U.S. government maintains lists of entities and persons who are restricted and/or denied certain transactions. This includes the recent "1286 List" - Restricted Party Overview
All foreign person and entities must be screened for inclusion on any of these lists prior to engaging in activities.
How to conduct a restricted party screening using Descartes Visual Compliance software
Any activities with a Restricted Party must be reviewed by the Research Security Program.
Countries of Concern: China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.
Recognized as countries of concern by many federal agencies and sponsors. Activities that include these countries have additional risks and must be reviewed by the Research Security Program.
June 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense issued "Countering Unwanted Foreign Influence in Department-Funded Research at Institutions of Higher Education".
Faculty and other key personnel on federally funded research awards should understand the definitions of Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (FTRP) and Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP) and federal sponsor restrictions on MFTRPs.
Many federal sponsors now require certification that faculty and other key personnel are not participating in a MFTRP.
Resources and guidance on FTRPs and MFTRPs can be found here.
The federal government maintains a list of critical and emerging technologies that
are potentially significant to U.S. national security. Researchers contemplating
a research activity with an international partner in one of these areas should contact the Research Security Program.
Critical and Emerging Technologies List Update (February 2024); Fast Track Action Subcommittee on Critical and Emerging Technologies of the National Science and Technology Council
Research and Engineering: Critical Technology Areas from the Department of Defense
Compliance with Export Controls
Researchers have an obligation to be aware of export restrictions applicable to any ideas, information or equipment they intend to share with international collaborators, whether they are overseas or visiting the U.S.
Review the How to Comply Guidance and Procedures for Export Controls
Disclosure of External Relationships
Researchers have an obligation to disclose all external relationships - both domestic and international - in a manner that is consistent with applicable requirements, including federal and state laws, regulations, and agency guidance, as well as the university's own policies and procedures.
Review the Sponsor Requirements: Biosketch, Current & Pending & Other Support Guidance
Questions?
Contact the Research Security Program
Report Concerns about International Engagements
If after reviewing the information provided on this website or any other international engagements compliance resources (including export controls and undue foreign influence) it is believed that a violation may have occurred use the below resources:
- EthicsPoint: Reports may be submitted via SBU's secure third-party confidential reporting system by web and mobile devices or telephone (see information provided below). Select the "Export Control/Research Security Concern" type. Reports may be submitted anonymously. Mobile & Web Report is available or you may report by phone at (833) 223-7024 OR You may e-mail or call (631-632-1954) the Director of Research Security.