Quick Recap:
NSF is implementing a new annual certification requirement for Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs) regarding Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP). The requirement addresses Section 10632 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. § 19232) regarding malign foreign talent recruitment programs and will become effective June 7, 2025. NSF stipulates that individuals who are currently party to a MFTRP are not eligible to serve as senior/key personnel on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024.
Starting on June 7, 2025, Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs) must certify on an annual basis that they are not party to an MFTRP. NSF will implement the MFTRP annual certification requirement for all other senior/key personnel roles at a future date.
Current Process
Currently PIs and Co-PI’s are required to complete the certification individually in Research.gov. For guidance resources for PI’s and Co-Pi’s, the Office of Ethics and Compliance has a Research Security Resource and Documents webpage including a 1 page highlight of the NSF Certification of Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment policy requirements. PI’s and Co-PI’s will need to complete the annual certification in Research.gov before new application submissions.
New Addition
A new certification has been added to the eProposal approval/routing process including language:
In accordance with Section 10632 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 (42 U.S.C. § 19232), and NSF PAPPG 24-1, I acknowledge my responsibilities regarding malign foreign talent recruitment programs MFTRPs. I certify that I am not a party to malign foreign talent recruitment program. If I am a PI or co-PI on an NSF award made on or after May 20th 2024, I further certify that I have completed (or will complete, prior to award actions) the required annual MFTRP certification in Research.gov, and I will promptly notify OSR if my status changes.
Please direct inquiries to Research Security.