Dear colleagues:

The federal government continues to express concern about foreign influence on the integrity of research conducted in U.S. institutions. Federal agencies are now working together to develop standardized policies and requirements to be used across agencies. These include, but are not limited to, standard disclosure requirements and forms for grant proposals, consequences for violation of disclosure requirements, and the establishment of mandatory research security programs within research organizations.

Cornell’s commitment to global engagement and support for open, international collaboration remains unchanged. Cornell is equally committed to fulfilling the requirements for open and transparent disclosure to our federal sponsors. Below, we have provided links to various helpful resources, including required and recommended best practices for Cornell faculty and staff to help you understand and meet both Cornell and federal expectations for compliance and transparency. These requirements, recommendations, and resources apply to work with foreign collaborators generally, whether in Ithaca, New York City, or abroad.

New Developments and Resources

Faculty Consulting: Policy 1.7 has been recently updated to require that all new consulting and other external contracts include the Consulting/Contract Addendum. The addendum ensures that faculty members are compliant with federal disclosure and reporting requirements as well as their primary employment obligations to Cornell.

OSP’s December 2021 Roundtable on Changes to NIH Other Support Document Requirements: a recorded discussion of the NIH implementation of significant changes to required disclosures of foreign collaborations, appointments, and research support within the Biographical Sketch and the Other Support forms. View the Zoom presentation here.

Travel Policy, Guidelines, and Recommendations: All Cornell students, staff, and faculty engaging in approved international travel on Cornell business are required to register in the travel registry.

Export Control Resources: The export control website provides detailed information and resources to support the Cornell community in maintaining compliance. Compliance with export control laws is the responsibility of each individual, as well as the institution. Policy 4.22 sets forth the roles and responsibilities of the Cornell community. OSP’s May 2022 Trade Compliance Roundtable Series is a recorded two-part series focusing on export control compliance, exchange of controlled technology, shipping compliance, export-related travel considerations, and Cornell’s Policy 4.22.

Sabbaticals Abroad: Planning a sabbatical leave abroad can involve legal contracts, extensive document gathering, prior approval by sponsoring agencies for work completed abroad, obtaining travel documents for you and your family, and more.

Previously Distributed, but Helpful References

Foreign Collaborations and Support: This resource outlines federal requirements for the disclosure of all sources of support, appointments, affiliations, and consulting activity, observing appropriate security precautions when traveling, negotiating research collaborations with foreign entities, and screening visitors to Cornell.

Engagement with China FAQ: A helpful resource detailing requirements and resources for travel, shipments, collaborations and services, private consulting and teaching time, and other matters related to working with or in China.

Resources Available on Campus: Today’s most pressing and important research questions are global ones, and international collaboration is often key to rigorous research and impact.

Guidelines on Ethical International Engagement: These guidelines help faculty members navigate collaborations with partners in other areas of the world where unequal power relations and different cultural, social, and political norms may apply. The guidelines can help faculty members carefully consider and develop an appropriate response with university leadership assistance.

Conclusion

Working, studying, and collaborating internationally offers benefits and opportunities, many of which are crucial to a world-class university such as Cornell. The landscape, however, can be unpredictable and overwhelming. If you have any questions or doubts about how to proceed, please contact the office of the vice provost for international affairs, the office of the vice president for research and innovation, or the office of general counsel.

Sincerely,

Wendy W. Wolford
Vice Provost for International Affairs

Emmanuel P. Giannelis
Vice President for Research and Innovation