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New Annual Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program Certification for PIs/co-PIs

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is notifying organizations and Authorized Organizational Representatives about a new annual certification requirement for Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs) regarding Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP).

Starting on June 7, 2025, in accordance with the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter II.D.1.e(ii), all PIs or co-PIs named on an NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024, must certify annually in Research.gov that they are not party to a MFTRP. Individuals who are currently a party to a MFTRP are not eligible to serve as senior/key personnel on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024. NSF is providing notification of this new requirement to impacted PIs and co-PIs.

What you need to know about completing the required MFTRP certification in Research.gov:

  • There is no organizational certification requirement, the certification requirement is for PIs and co-PIs.
  • Impacted PIs and co-PIs will be prompted to complete the MFTRP certification after signing into Research.gov using the Sign In link at the top of www.Research.gov.
  • PIs and co-PIs with more than one active award made on or after May 20, 2024, are only required to certify once, annually.
  • Once completed, PIs and co-PIs can view their MFTRP certification response under the Academic/Professional Information section of their profile.
  • NSF is working to expand the MFTRP annual certification requirement for all senior/key personnel roles at a future date. Additionally, NSF is working to provide organizations with access to the annual certifications.
  • Please see PAPPG Chapter II.D.1.d(ix) for information about Authorized Organizational Representative (AOR) responsibilities regarding senior/key personnel MFTRP certifications.
  • Frequently Asked Questions and MFTRP contract examples will be available on the MFTRP section of the Office of the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy website shortly.

Last Updated on June 4, 2025