Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FTRP) are programs, “organized, managed, or funded by a foreign government, or a foreign government instrumentality or entity, to recruit science and technology professionals or students (regardless of citizenship or national origin, or whether having a full-time or part-time position).” See the OSTP’s National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 implementation guidance for more details.
Involvement in a Foreign Talent Program is not illegal. However, some programs, called Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP), may include terms in an agreement that require individuals to perform tasks or obtain information that directly conflicts with US national security, foreign policy, or responsible research conduct. Any of the following situations should raise concerns for UIUC researchers:
- Compensation above what would considered “beyond reasonable and customary for the field.” Covering travel costs and providing lodging would not be considered excessive, but paying you $10K to cover <$10K in expenses would be.
- Honorarium payments—receiving payment for offering your expertise would not be an issue—except if this honorarium was contingent upon future activity.(Please reference the Ethics Act) . We have seen where the ability to process an honorarium was contingent upon the individual being enrolled in a MFGTRP (in this case, the MFGTRP was already known for its nefarious activity).
- Requirements to recruit other professionals as part of the terms of the contract.
- Requirements to list the MFTRP first for publication citations.
- Requirements to provide additional US technology to foreign entities.
- Any additional requirements that are considered to run contrary to ethical research conduct.
In addition to the MFTRP concern, discussions concerning any research or technology that is not public might pose an issue. Discussions should revolve around information in the public domain.
You must disclose affiliations in MFTRP in your annual Report of Non-University Activities (RNUA).
Read the OSTP Guidelines on Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs for additional information.
Agency specific guidance
The NSF requires senior/key personnel to certify prior to proposal submission that they are not a party in a MFTRP, as defined by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This certification is required annually throughout the duration of the award.
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If you have questions about malign foreign government talent programs, please contact us.