International Collaborations and Other International Activities Involving Countries of Concern

Texas A&M embraces a culture of excellence which values diversity in thought and an environment that promotes innovation and creativity in research. As a global leader, the university acknowledges the importance of collaborations, locally as well as around the world, to advance society.

Universities such as Texas A&M are actively responding to concerns from federal agencies and sponsors regarding foreign influence in academic research. This influence may range from conflicting commitments of researchers to foreign entities to the misappropriation of research results and intellectual property. While we value and encourage international collaborations that promote openness in research and scholarship, Texas A&M must comply with US laws and agency regulations that govern how we manage and report international engagements. This includes National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33) that requires all federal research funding agencies to strengthen and standardize disclosure requirements and mandates the establishment of research security programs at research institutions that receive federal funds. Understanding the regulatory environment, the risks, and importance of transparency is an individual responsibility as well as an organizational commitment.

We have provided a list that includes entities located in the Countries of Concern that employees will not be allowed to have collaborations and that will be denied. Entities included on this list are subject to at least one US government restricted list and is subject to change at any time. 

Texas A&M remains committed to the highest level of research integrity and engagement of global partners.  The below FAQs are intended to address questions related to the following policies:

1. System Regulation 15.05.04: High Risk Global Engagements and High Risk International Collaborations and pending university Rule 15.05.04.M1
2. System Regulation 15.01.03 Financial Conflicts of Interest in Sponsored Research and Texas A&M Rule 15.01.03.M1 Financial Conflicts of Interest in Sponsored Research
3. Texas A&M Standard Administrative Procedure 15.99.99.M0.02 Conflict of Commitment
4. System Regulations 31.05.01 Faculty Consulting and/or External Professional Employment and 31.05.02  External Employment and Texas A&M Rule 31.05.01.M1 Faculty Consulting and/or External Professional Employment
5. University SAP 21.01.03.M0.02 Foreign Travel
6. System Regulation 12.99.01 Faculty Development Leave

FAQs