Guidelines
WVU welcomes international research collaborations that drive innovation and create global impact. These partnerships reflect the University’s commitment to discovery and collaboration across borders.
Approach every collaboration thoughtfully—protect your work, follow compliance requirements, and help uphold the integrity of WVU’s research enterprise.
Before initiating or expanding an international collaboration, consider the following questions:
- Are you partnering with individuals or institutions outside the United States?
- Are you planning to travel internationally for research or collaboration?
- Are you inviting an international visitor or scholar to WVU’s campus?
- Will your project involve signing agreements, sharing data or materials, or hosting international collaborators?
Understanding potential risks—especially when working with entities in countries of concern—and following WVU’s procedures to ensure compliance with U.S. regulations and University policies are critical to conducting responsible, secure international research.
Learn How to Collaborate Responsibly
Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs
The U.S. government has identified risks associated with certain foreign government–sponsored programs designed to improperly obtain U.S. research and technological advancements. These Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRPs) can threaten national and economic security, compromise research integrity, and create serious conflicts of interest or commitment.
Participation in MFTRPs is prohibited for individuals who receive U.S. federal funding and under University policy. Understanding what qualifies as an MFTRP—and how to recognize, disclose, and report such programs—is essential to protecting yourself and the integrity of WVU’s research enterprise.
Learn More About Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs
Export Controls
WVU’s Export Control Program develops and enforces University-wide policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal laws governing the export of goods, technology, and information. This includes adherence to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requirements.
Foreign Visitors
To host a foreign visitor at WVU, the visit must be registered in the International Visitor Registry at least two weeks in advance. Registration initiates an export control screening to identify restricted parties and confirm all visa and documentation requirements are met. Hosts may also need to provide a formal invitation letter.
Visiting Scholars with support from their home institutions may have to disclose that support as Other Support. Visa type depends on the visit’s purpose—for example, a B-1 visa for business or a J-1 visa for academic or research collaboration.
International Travel Reporting
All international travel on WVU business must be registered with the Office of Global Affairs (OGA) at least one month in advance. Registration ensures travelers are enrolled in University insurance and emergency services. A pre-travel export control screening is also required—especially when visiting embargoed countries or traveling with University-owned equipment.
Key travel guidelines include maintaining control of all devices, avoiding public Wi-Fi and USB charging stations, and using approved methods to access WVU email and systems abroad.
Traveling with Electronic Devices
International travel increases the risk of device compromise. Limit the number of devices you bring and use a clean laptop containing only necessary files or presentation materials. Be aware that customs or border agents may request access to electronic devices when entering or exiting a country.
Review WVU’s International Travel Security Standard for more information.
Foreign Travel Security Training
In coordination with the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Research Security, the federal government will soon release a Foreign Travel Security Training module. Once implemented, covered individuals will be required to complete this training prior to international travel and renew it every six years.
Learn More About Export Control and International Collaboration