May 18, 2021
Research security and integrity at K-State
Submitted by Richard Myers and Charles Taber
Dear K-State community,
As most of you are already aware, the federal government has recognized that our nation's research enterprise is facing grave threats from outside entities that do not value the transparency and openness that underpin our universities' tremendous successes. In response, the previous administration released two documents on Jan. 14, 2021: The National Security Presidential Memorandum–33, or NSPM-33, and a corresponding report by the National Science and Technology Council, Joint Committee on the Research Environment, known as JCORE, with recommended practices for research security. The two documents are complementary and have mandates and recommendations that apply to every American research entity. The current administration has continued to support these documents, so we at Kansas State University will work to implement their guidance and direction. Accordingly, we have established a Research Security and Integrity Working Group, or RSIWG.
The working group's initial purpose is to analyze existing university policies and regulations, and then determine what subsequent actions K-State must take to improve our research security and integrity in compliance with the above documents' requirements and recommendations. This is absolutely critical to maintaining our ever-growing research successes. The working group's focus, however, is more than just regulatory compliance. They are also chartered to ensure you, our researchers, have clear, unambiguous directives as we navigate this challenging situation. Research is at the heart of K-State's reputation in the state, nationally and internationally, and we want to ensure each one of you has every opportunity to continue with your funding opportunities. For this reason, the Research Security and Integrity Working Group includes researchers and leaders in the Office of the Vice President for Research. Even though we have an excellent research and research security program, we don't doubt that there are still adjustments ahead, so we also strongly encourage your interest, and where necessary, questions.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact the interim vice president for research, Beth Montelone, at bethmont@k-state.edu, or the RSIWG chair, Jonathan Snowden, at jonathansnowden@k-state.edu, 785-532-3261. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Richard B. Myers
President
Charles S. Taber
Provost and executive vice president