Related Notices
- 11.07.2025 NSF Research Security Training and Review Prior to Submission Requirement
- 11.25.2025 NSF Submission Requirements Starting in December 2025
Policy
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). This requirement addresses Section 10632 of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. It becomes effective June 7, 2025. Individuals who are currently party to an MFTRP are not eligible to serve as senior/key personnel on NSF proposals or awards made on or after May 20, 2024.
Starting June 7, 2025, PIs and co-PIs must certify annually that they are not party to an MFTRP. NSF will extend this requirement to other senior/key personnel at a future date.
Current Process
PIs and co-PIs must complete this certification individually in Research.gov. Guidance is available through the Office of Ethics and Compliance’s Research Security Resources and Documents webpage, including a one-page highlight summarizing the MFTRP certification requirements. PIs and co-PIs must complete the annual certification in Research.gov prior to new application submissions.
New Addition
A new certification statement has been added to the eProposal routing process. The language reads:
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 a malign foreign talent recruitment program. If I am a PI or co-PI on an NSF award made on or after May 20, 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.