Export Controls

Research Integrity and Security

Restrictions on Access and Publications

The majority of research conducted at Colorado School of Mines qualifies as fundamental research. On these research endeavors, there are no restrictions such as requiring a sponsor’s permission to publish results or limiting the members of a research team by nationality.

However, in some cases, Mines accepts restrictions on research for proprietary or national security reasons. Research conducted under these conditions may be controlled for export to certain countries or for sharing with certain international partners. Mines’ range of research activities is fully consistent with our research values of objectivity, honesty, openness, accountability, fairness, and stewardship.*

There are many situations in which we can help you determine whether export controls affect your research. We will work with you to establish a technology control plan, request a federal license, or take other measures that may be warranted. Before you engage in the following types of research activities, please contact us at exportcontrols@mines.edu:

  • Research agreements that limit the nationality of research team members or require us to seek sponsor approval to publish the results
  • Research with nuclear energy, space technology, lasers or sensors, encryption, high performance computing, or military applications
  • Research relying on proprietary or confidential information (for example that require signing non-disclosure agreements)
  • Traveling abroad with restricted equipment, software, or information
  • International shipping of restricted items or data
  • Research with international partners or visiting scholars (some restrictions apply)
  • Procurement and use of controlled equipment
  • International consulting

*Compare these research values to Fostering Integrity in Research, 2017, National Academy of Sciences.

“Foreign-born scientists and engineers … make essential contributions to our preeminence in science, engineering and technology today.”
—“Fundamental Research Security,” JASON report to NSF, Dec. 2019