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Research and Sponsored Programs

Research Security Training: Federal Requirements & Guidance

Overview
Federal agencies are implementing mandatory Research Security Training (RST) for senior/key personnel on federally funded research projects. This requirement comes from the CHIPS & Science Act and national guidance issued by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). PIs, Co-PIs, and senior/key personnel must complete training covering cybersecurity, disclosure rules, foreign interference risks, and responsible stewardship of federal funds.

Who Must Complete Training?

  • Principal Investigators (PIs)
  • Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs)
  • Senior/Key Personnel listed on federal proposals or awards
  • Individuals added to the project later who perform senior/key roles

What the Training Must Cover
Training must address the following federally defined core topics:

  • Cybersecurity and research data protection
  • International collaborations & foreign travel considerations
  • Foreign interference and research security risks
  • Conflict of interest & commitment; disclosure requirements
  • Proper stewardship of federal funds

When Training Must Be Completed

  • NSF: Required beginning October 10, 2025; training must be completed within 12 months before proposal submission.
  • NIH: Required for applications due January 25, 2026 and beyond; must be current within the last 12 months.
  • DOE: Mandatory May 1, 2025; annual certification required.
  • USDA: USDA’s Secretary’s Memorandum (SM-1078-014, July 8, 2025) requires applicants to certify that training has been completed within 12 months prior to application and recertified annually. Fresno State will treat training completed on or before October 1, 2025 as meeting near-term compliance for proposals submitted on or after that date; some solicitations may have agency-specific requirements.
  • DoD & other agencies: Implementing requirements during 2025–2026; most require training within 12 months of proposal.

Fresno State recommends that all PIs and senior/key personnel complete training annually to ensure compliance across all federal sponsors.

Where to Access Training
The California State University Office of the Chancellor has made Research Security Training available to all campuses through CSU Learn. The training is a single, one-hour course covering all required components. It has been updated only to meet CSU accessibility standards.

Please follow the steps below to access and complete the required training through CSU Learn.

1. Go to CSU Learn (SumTotal) from your Dashboard or use this link: https://CSU.sumtotal.host/core/pillarRedirect?relyingParty=LM&url=app%2Fmanagement%2FLMS_ActDetails.aspx%3FActivityId%3D148211%26UserMode%3D0  

2. Click on the Library icon and search for “Research Security Training” and select the course with the Cal State logo.

3. Confirm the description says “Federal Research Security Training (SECURE Center Consolidated Module) To comply with federal requirements under the CHIPS and Science Act and NSPM-33…”

4. Click “start”. A pop up window will open that specifies 4 modules, complete each section. You can select menu (on the left hand column) to see your progress.

5. If you need to exit you may at any time and your progress will be saved in CSU Learn. From CSU Learn select start and then in the pop up window select “resume”.

6. Once the training is complete you can exit the pop up window. You will receive an email confirmation which will allow you to download your certificate.

7. Forward this confirmation email to orsp@mail.fresnostate.edu

8. This training will expire in 12 months, so set a reminder to renew your training prior to the expiration.

Note: Federal agency modules may also be used if they cover the required topics.

What PIs Should Do Now

  • Complete the Research Security Training in advance of working on a proposal.
  • Ensure all senior/key personnel listed on your proposal complete training before submission.
  • Retain documentation of training completion.
  • Contact Fresno State Office of Research and Sponsored Programs with any compliance questions.

This guidance is a living document. Federal research security requirements continue to evolve, and Fresno State Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will update the campus as agencies release new or revised policies.