Published September 15, 2025, via Research News
The National Science Foundation has new research security training requirements set to go into effect on October 10, 2025.
Training required before proposal submission
- Each individual listed as senior key personnel must certify that they have completed qualifying research security training within the last 12 months.
- WashU requires NSF researchers to complete the online course Responsible Conduct of Research to fulfil this requirement.
- The Office of Sponsored Research Services (OSRS) will certify that all senior/key personnel on the application have completed training within the last 12 months. If any senior/key personnel have not completed training, the proposal cannot be submitted.
- Any researchers who may be listed as senior/key personnel should complete training as soon as possible to ensure there are no delays in application submission.
- The training is assigned to those paid by NSF, but there is not a way to proactively assign senior/key personnel who will be listed on a proposal. Individuals must take responsibility to self-enroll.
Additional guidance
- Completion of legacy courses PERCSS or Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research for Faculty and Staff do not meet NSF’s requirement for research security training. Only the Responsible Conduct of Research course fulfils this requirement.
- Department administrators with reporting access to Learn@Work can run reports for the RCR course to identify who has completed training in the last 12 months.
Reminder: Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (requirements in effect)
- Individuals currently party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) are not eligible to serve as a senior/key person on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made after May 20, 2024
- All senior/key personnel must certify that they are not involved in a MFTRP
- Pre-award – As part of proposal submission, all senior/key personnel certify not involved in MFTRP
- Post-award: PIs and Co-PIs must certify annually in research.gov they are not participating in MFTRP