The Department of War announced Monday that thirty domestic universities have been formally instructed to conduct immediate, comprehensive reviews of any academic, financial, or research partnerships with foreign entities deemed a security risk.
Why the audits are required
The notifications target ties identified under Section 1286 of the FY 2019 National Defense Authorization Act and organizations linked to rebranded Confucius Institutes. The goal is to safeguard American taxpayer‑funded research from unauthorized technology transfer, intellectual‑property theft, and adversarial exploitation.
What universities must do
Each institution must complete a full audit of all identified foreign collaborations, assess any exposure of sensitive or export‑controlled research, and develop mitigation plans that could include terminating problematic partnerships. Findings and actions must be reported to the Department of War no later than August 31, 2026.
Official statements
“The Department of War has zero tolerance for academic partnerships that compromise our national security,” said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. “Institutions that receive funding from American taxpayers must uphold the highest standards of research security, and these mandated audits will ensure accountability across the board.”
Dr. Joseph Jewell, Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology, added, “Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation.”
Background
Section 1286 of the FY 19 NDAA directs the Department to maintain a list of foreign institutions that have engaged in problematic behavior to obtain U.S. research and intellectual property. The most recent updates include roughly 130 academic and research entities, primarily in China, Russia, and Iran. The current effort also covers organizations tied to former Confucius Institutes, which were Chinese government‑supported cultural centers on many campuses.
Coordination with Congress
The audit initiative is being carried out in coordination with congressional partners, including the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, the Appropriations Committees, and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
The Department of War has not publicly named the thirty universities, though a U.S. official provided a list to DefenseScoop. Details on why specific institutions were selected were not disclosed.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
