NOTICE, (April 29, 2024) – The National Science Foundation has issued updated information and guidance to the PAPPG regarding Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs).
What is a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP)?
Section D of the PAPPG outlines what constitutes as a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program. The following are NOT considered malign foreign talent recruitment programs unless such activities are funded, organized, or managed by an academic institution or a foreign talent recruitment program on the lists developed under paragraphs 8 and 9 of section 1286 (C) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019:
- making scholarly presentations and publishing written materials regarding scientific information not otherwise controlled under current law;
- participation in international conferences or other inter-national exchanges, research projects or programs that involve open and reciprocal exchange of scientific information, and which are aimed at advancing international scientific understanding and not otherwise controlled under current law; and
- advising a foreign student enrolled at an institution of higher education or writing a recommendation for such a student, at such student’s request.
The changes to the PAPPG (NSF 24-1) regarding Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs) include the following:
- Any individual who is a current party to an MFTRP is ineligible to serve as a senior/key person on an NSF proposal or award. This requirement applies to any proposal submitted or due on or after May 20, 2024.
- Each senior/key person will need to certify that they are not party to an MFTRP when they download personnel documents from SciENcv.
- Each PI and co-PI on any NSF award must certify annually thereafter.
- A new term and condition will be added implementing this requirement post-award.
- Organizations must certify upon proposal submission that all senior/key personnel have been made aware of and complied with the requirement that they are not a party to an MFTRP.
The proposal GCO will be required to certify that all senior personnel associated with the proposal have been made aware of and have complied with their responsibility to certify that they are not a party to an MFTRP, at the time of proposal submission. Research Operations is reviewing the certification language and additional information will be provided if action is required by the RA/Unit.
Additional information can be found for PAPPG NSF 24-1 on the NSF website.
By Research Operations