Undue Foreign Influence
Academic research in the U.S. welcomes individuals from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, aligning seamlessly with UNC Charlotte’s core values of research integrity, including objectivity, honesty, fairness, accountability, and stewardship. This inclusive approach has propelled the U.S. towards remarkable innovation and academic excellence.
UNC Charlotte actively fosters global collaborations in the pursuit of knowledge, recognizing the inherent benefits that arise from such partnerships. The guidance provided here aims not to dissuade global engagement, but rather to raise awareness of specific risks associated with undue foreign influence. UNC Charlotte has established processes to address and mitigate these risks through transparent disclosure mechanisms.
Risks of Undue Foreign Influence
- Loss of academic integrity
- Compromised national security
- Intellectual property theft
- Biased research agenda
- Undermining academic freedom
- Risk to public health and safety
- Damage to reputation
Transparency in Disclosure
All investigators on sponsored projects should check the sponsor’s current disclosure requirements carefully (especially with international funding sources) and, if in doubt, contact Sherry Loyd in the Office of Research Protections and Integrity (ORPI) for disclosure assistance or further guidance.
Talent Recruiting Programs
Foreign governments sponsor talent recruitment programs, or talent plans, to bring outside knowledge and innovation back to their countries – and sometimes that means stealing trade secrets, breaking export control laws, or violating conflict-of-interest policies to do so.
Recently there have been numerous cases of US-based researchers (both US citizens as well as foreign nationals) being recruited directly or indirectly by foreign governments with the intended goals of exploiting the open nature of the research & development environment at US universities and government agencies.
UNC Charlotte welcomes international collaboration in academic and scientific research and business development. But researchers should understand the potential risks and illegal conduct incentivized by foreign talent plans and take steps to safeguard their trade secrets and intellectual property.
If you are ever contacted by a foreign entity regarding an unsolicited or prospective collaboration, position, salary, or research funding, contact Saul Sotolongo in the Office of Research Protections and Integrity (ORPI) immediately.
Export Controls
Export control regulations are federal laws that prohibit the unlicensed export of certain commodities or information for reasons of national security or protections of trade. UNC Charlotte researchers looking to collaborate, travel, or otherwise work with international persons or groups should consult the UNC Charlotte Export Controls page for guidance.
Resources
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017. Fostering Integrity in Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/21896.
Chinese talent plans. (2022, October 19). Federal Bureau of Investigation.