International Collaborations & Foreign Disclosures
New York Institute of Technology supports international research collaborations that advance scholarship, innovation, and the exchange of ideas.
Federal research sponsors have strengthened disclosure requirements in recent years to promote transparency and safeguard the integrity of the U.S. research enterprise. These requirements do not prohibit international collaboration. Rather, they are intended to ensure that sponsoring agencies have a complete understanding of the professional relationships and commitments of individuals participating in federally funded research.
Information That May Require Disclosure
Depending on sponsor requirements, investigators may be required to disclose:
- Foreign academic, research, or professional appointments (paid or unpaid).
- Visiting scientist or adjunct appointments at foreign institutions.
- International research collaborations and affiliations.
- Foreign sources of research support, including in-kind contributions or resources provided by foreign organizations.
- Outside professional activities that may be relevant to a sponsored research project.
When Disclosures May Be Required
Complete and accurate disclosures are essential and may be required in:
- Proposal documents.
- Current and Pending (Other Support) disclosures.
- Annual conflict-of-interest reporting.
- Just-in-Time submissions.
- Progress reports.
- Other sponsor-specific certifications.
Questions About Disclosure Requirements?
If you are uncertain whether an affiliation, appointment, collaboration, or source of support should be disclosed, contact the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research (OSPAR) before proposal submission. OSPAR can assist investigators in interpreting sponsor requirements and ensuring that disclosures are complete and accurate.
New York Institute of Technology remains committed to supporting international research partnerships while meeting evolving federal research security expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. International collaboration remains an essential component of scientific discovery and scholarly activity. Federal research sponsors continue to encourage collaborations that advance research, innovation, education, and the exchange of ideas. Research security requirements are intended to promote transparency and compliance with sponsor requirements, not discourage legitimate international engagement.
The following activities are generally appropriate when properly disclosed, if required by the sponsor:
- Collaborating with researchers at foreign universities on publications or research projects.
- Serving as a visiting scholar or participating in short-term academic exchanges.
- Presenting research at international conferences or scientific meetings.
- Participating in international professional societies, advisory committees, or peer-review activities.
- Receiving travel support from conference organizers or professional organizations, when consistent with sponsor and institutional policies.
Examples include:
- Accepting appointments or affiliations with foreign institutions or organizations.
- Receiving research funding, laboratory support, equipment, personnel, or other in-kind resources from foreign entities.
- Entering into agreements that include confidentiality provisions, intellectual property commitments, or obligations that may conflict with federally sponsored research.
- Participating in activities that could fall within the federal definition of a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP).
Ask before you act. Early consultation can help identify and address potential issues before they become compliance concerns. Contact OSPAR before proposal submission if you are uncertain whether an appointment, affiliation, collaboration, or source of support should be disclosed.
OSPAR can assist investigators with questions regarding:
- Sponsor disclosure requirements.
- Foreign affiliations and appointments.
- International collaborations.
- Outside professional activities.
- Research security requirements and institutional policies.
New York Tech supports productive international collaborations while helping investigators meet sponsor requirements and protecting the integrity of the university’s research enterprise. Federal disclosure requirements help ensure transparency and compliance with evolving research security expectations.