March 2025 Newsletter
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Stay up-to-date with the latest news and resources from the Office of Research Protections (ORP)
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Implementation of Research Security Requirements
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The anticipated release of new research security requirements related to NSPM-33 and the CHIPS and Science Act has been delayed due to the recent Presidential administration transition. Both NSPM-33 and the CHIPS Act mandate that Covered Personnel (Key Personnel) involved in federal awards must complete annual research security training.
Despite the delay in release of overarching research security requirements, some federal agencies including the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation have advertised Spring 2025 deadlines for completion of research security training, although most agencies are yet to announce new requirements.
To ensure compliance with all forthcoming federal agency training requirements, Pitt has developed research security training, which will be accessible through the CITI platform. Additional information regarding this training will be provided in the near future.
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Be sure to complete your Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure by April 15. If you are required to complete an Annual Disclosure, you received an email from MyDisclosures between March 17 and 20.
The following resources are available:
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Research Protections’ Conflict of Interest Division at mydisclosures_support@pitt.edu.
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New Biosafety Requirements
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In May 2024, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy issued the "United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential." This policy establishes a federal framework to manage and oversee certain life sciences research involving high-risk biological agents and toxins.
In response to these new federal requirements, Pitt has formulated an internal policy to ensure compliance, which will take effect on May 6, 2025.
Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) introduced new requirements concerning Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), which are responsible for reviewing studies involving genetic manipulations to ensure their safe conduct. Effective June 1, 2025, all IBC members at an institution will be listed on a public NIH website, and institutions are required to post the minutes of IBC meetings. Previously, federal regulations only required the release of meeting minutes upon request; mandatory public posting was not required.
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Import, interstate movement, and export of some biological materials are regulated by Federal agencies and may require permits. Effective January 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) raised its permit fees from $150 to $303. Additionally, the costs associated with USDA permit renewals and amendments also increased. ORP strongly advises investigators holding USDA permits to renew them annually to avoid the significantly higher costs associated with applying for a new permit.
See 9 CFR § 130.3 — Processing Permit Applications
As of now, permits from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remain no-cost to investigators.
Please contact researchsecurity@pitt.edu with any questions.
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Upcoming Educational & Training Opportunities
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Consider signing up for these training opportunities offered by the Office of Research Protections:
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