NSF Training Requirements

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently issued important updates related to research security and training requirements. Key updates include the following:

Research Security Training (Effective October 10, 2025)

NSF Stipulation: All senior/key personnel (e.g. PIs, Co-PIs, project directors, co-project directors, and Faculty Associates) identified in an NSF proposal submitted on or after October 10, 2025 must certify to NSF that they have completed Research Security training within one year prior to the proposal submission.

What You Need to Do: It is strongly recommended that all PIs, faculty, and senior/key personnel currently engaged or planning to be engaged in NSF-funded research take Research Security training by October 10, 2025. RSP will not submit an NSF proposal if training has not been completed.

Where to Access Resources/Training: Research Security training is accessible via CITI Training by searching for “Research Security” in the search bar. The Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI) is used to deliver most of Fresno State’s research training. CITI is available to all Fresno State faculty, staff and students.

The required training is also available on the NSF website. The NSF Research Security Training consists of 4 modules taking approximately 1 hour to complete for a total of 4 hours training time.

Record Keeping Notification: PIs, PDs, Co-CI, and others are required to keep a record of your research security training as NSF will NOT maintain training records. You must save and maintain a copy of the records for records keeping purposes and provide a copy of the training upon request to the National Science Foundation, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (pre-award office), Sponsored Programs Administration (post-award office), or Research Compliance Officer.

Risk Assessment and Required Documentation (Effective October 10, 2025)

NSF Stipulation: NSF reserves the right to conduct risk assessments to identify undisclosed information from senior/key personnel on proposals and awards. The University must retain documentation related to foreign appointments, employment with a foreign institution, foreign talent recruitment programs and other information reported as current and pending (other) support as NSF may request this information at any time. Documentation includes copies of contracts, grants, or any other agreements.

What You Need to Do: Fresno State is are evaluating our processes to ensure that senior/key personnel disclose applicable documentation to the University. In the coming months, we will issue further guidance on how the University and researchers will meet these requirements.

Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) Training:

NSF Stipulation: NSF now requires RECR training for all personnel supported by NSF research (including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, faculty, and senior/key personnel). The training must cover mentorship and mentor training, research security awareness, and Federal export control, disclosure, and reporting requirements.

What You Need to Do: The University’s current RECR training is available through CITI. We are currently reviewing and updating the available training modules to align with the new NSF requirements, and we will be providing details and completion deadlines in the near future.