Universities in the crosshairs: Navigating foreign espionage and research security risks

Universities increasingly find themselves the direct target of U.S. national security enforcement, as federal scrutiny expands beyond grant disclosures to allegations of espionage and intellectual property (IP) theft on campus. And all indications are that even more ramped-up governmental attention is on the horizon. 

These matters are far removed from routine compliance issues. They unfold quickly, often quietly, and can place federal funding, institutional reputation, and academic mission at immediate risk. 

Drawing on recent U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and state enforcement trends, this article explains why early reactions matter, how common missteps amplify exposure, and what institutions should do in the critical first days of government attention. It also outlines concrete, defensible strategies for strengthening research security and governance without sacrificing academic freedom or inviting discrimination claims. The result is a practical guide for higher-education leaders navigating one of the most consequential risk landscapes facing universities today. 

Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2025 by Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) & Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).

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