Foreign Experts Programs and International Research Collaborations

There has been a recent increase in the number of UK researchers receiving requests to participate in “Foreign Experts Programs.” These invitations often begin with a foreign researcher reaching out to a UK researcher and asking them to collaborate on a research proposal sponsored by the foreign government. A common funding eligibility requirement is that the foreign researcher must have a “foreign/U.S. expert” who has agreed to collaborate on the project. If the funding is coming from a Foreign Country of Concern, there is a heightened risk that engaging in this activity would constitute participation in a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP). Countries currently designated as Foreign Countries of Concern include China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela. Participation in these MFTRPs would need to be disclosed to U.S. funding agencies. Additionally, involvement in these programs makes you ineligible to receive federal funding. If you receive a similar request (even if there is no funding involved), please reach out to SECURE to review the program requirements and provide guidance. 

• Contact UK-SECURE@uky.edu
• Learn more on the SECURE website