Webinar Examines Changing Landscape of U.S. Research Funding and Foreign Influence

Webinar Examines Changing Landscape of U.S. Research Funding and Foreign Influence

The University of Maryland hosted a special webinar on Thursday, November 19, 2020, on The Changing Landscape of U.S. Research Funding and Foreign Influence. Over 180 members of the campus community attended the virtual event. Developed by the Export Control and International Compliance Committee (ECIC), the objective of the webinar was to provide a snapshot of the national landscape, share guidance on reducing risks, and explain what the campus is doing to help.

Vice President for Research Dr. Laurie E. Locascio discussed the importance of international contributions both to our campus and to the national interest, while stressing the importance of research integrity, the impact of both perceived and real conflicts, and the importance of protecting the intellectual property rights of the inventors (both U.S. and foreign). Dr. Locascio emphasized that research administrators are here to support and protect our U.S. and foreign researchers acting in good faith. 

Panelists Dr. Dan Lathrop, Chair, ECIC Committee, and Dr. Philip DeShong, Chair, Conflict of Interest Committee, summarized the focus of enforcement activities and the need for transparency and risk reduction in research through disclosure. Wendy Montgomery, Director, Office of Research Administration; Rebecca Hunsaker, Director of Research Administration, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences; and Beth Brittan-Powell, Director of Research Collaborations, Division of Research, discussed the proposal process, certifications, and agency disclosure requirements.

Resources, including a PDF of the webinar presentation slides and disclosure handouts, are available at the ORA website.

November 20, 2020