Trump beefs up research security before leaving office

Research institutions directed to establish security programmes to prevent foreign exploitation

In one of his final moves on R&D policy, outgoing US president Donald Trump has directed research institutions and government agencies to tighten up measures preventing foreign exploitation of US research.

The presidential memorandum, published on 14 January, requires research institutions to establish security programmes and strengthens requirements on disclosing potential conflicts of interest for researchers holding government grants. An accompanying document makes recommendations for research institutions on how to beef up their security measures, including partnering with local FBI offices.