Federal funding agencies have implemented new training requirements for researchers and personnel working on federally sponsored projects. These requirements focus on research security to ensure compliance with federal regulations and protect the integrity of U.S. research.
Who This Affects: Based on their funding source and role, principal investigators, senior/key personnel, and team members participating in federally funded research projects may be required to complete specific research security and related trainings.
Why This Matters: Completion of required trainings is mandatory for:
- Proposal submission eligibility
- Award activation and continuation
- Maintaining compliance with federal sponsor requirements
- Protecting research integrity and national security interests
- University compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33), which requires institutions of higher education with more than $50 million annual federal R&D funding to operate a comprehensive research security program, which includes Research Security Training as a primary component
- The CHIPS and Science Act requires that covered individuals involved in federally funded research complete research security training to enhance protections against security threats
Important Notes:
- Training requirements vary by agency and may change—check this page regularly for updates. Federal sponsors that do not appear below, have not published any guidance regarding implementation of the training requirement.
- Research Security training is available through BuckeyeLearn. The course is the same for all federal sponsors and is required once within a 12-month period.
- Some requirements apply before proposal submission, so plan accordingly
- Research teams should verify which trainings apply based on all active and pending funding sources
Action Required: Review the requirements below to identify which trainings apply to you and your team. Contact your department's research administrator or the Office of Sponsored Programs if you have questions about specific requirements or need assistance with training enrollment.
Updated: January 12, 2026
| Agency | Status | Who Must Complete | Training Title | Training Details | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIH | Active 10/01/2025 | Senior/key personnel | Other Support | 11-minute NIH Other Support training course in BuckeyeLearn | Prior to JIT or RPPR submission |
| NIH | Active 05/25/2026 | Senior/key personnel | Research Security | 1-hour research security training course in BuckeyeLearn | Within 1 year prior to proposal submission or being added to the award |
| DOE | Active 05/01/2025 | Senior/key personnel | Research Security | 1-hour research security training course in BuckeyeLearn | Within 1 year prior to proposal submission or being added to the award |
| DOE | Active 05/01/2025 | Personnel identified by NOFO or T&C of award | Research Security | 1-hour research security training course in BuckeyeLearn | Within 1 year prior to proposal submission or being added to the award |
| USDA | Active 12/31/2025 | Senior/key personnel | Research Security | 1-hour research security training course in BuckeyeLearn | Within 1 year prior to proposal submission or being added to award and annually for award duration |
| USDA | Active 12/31/2025 | Other Personnel | Research Security | 1-hour research security training course in BuckeyeLearn | Within 60 days of being added to award and annually for award duration |
| NSF | Active 12/02/2025 | Senior/key personnel | Research Security | 1-hour research security training course in BuckeyeLearn | Within 1 year prior to proposal submission or being added to the award and every 4 years with RCR training |
| NSF | Active 12/02/2025 | Other Personnel | Research Security | 1-hour research security training in BuckeyeLearn | Within 60 days of being added to award and every 4 years with RCR training |