Foreign Engagement / Foreign Influence

Background, UC Guidance and Resources about Foreign Engagement

Background about Foreign Engagement in Research

Foreign Engagement, also known as Foreign Influence, involves many areas of the UC San Diego research enterprise, including Conflict of Interest. For the UC San Diego offices involved and their contact information, click this UC San Diego link.

Federal agencies and policymakers have expressed concern that foreign entities may be using the academic research enterprise in an attempt to compromise the United States’ economic competitiveness and national security. Federal funding agencies have sought to clarify longstanding policies and issued new guidance. Federal law enforcement agencies have increased prosecutorial activity in unison with the federal funding agencies, and Congress has signed new legislation and sought information on how the academic research community is responding to this evolving issue. 

Since early 2018, Universities have observed heightened awareness and increased activity related to the issue of foreign influence in academia within the federal government and amongst our peer institutions. Federal funding agencies have issued new requirements and guidance, federal law enforcement agencies have increased prosecutorial activity, and Congress has signed new legislation and sought information on how the academic research community is responding to this evolving issue.

UC Guidance and Resources

UC San Diego: https://blink.ucsd.edu/research/international-research.html

UC Office of the President: https://www.ucop.edu/ethics-compliance-audit-services/compliance/research-compliance/foreign-influence.html

Health Sciences Sponsored Project Pre-Award Office: https://medschool.ucsd.edu/vchs/research-services/hssppo/review/Pages/Foreign-Involvement-.aspx