Universities and research institutions increasingly operate in a global scientific environment where the free exchange of ideas intersects with U.S. export control laws. These laws—designed to protect national security, prevent weapons proliferation, and safeguard sensitive technologies—impose strict requirements on the transfer of information, materials, equipment, and technology to foreign persons or entities, even within U.S. borders.
This course provides a deep, practical, and legal understanding of the export control framework as it applies to academic research.
Students will gain expertise in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, and learn to design compliance programs that preserve academic freedom while meeting regulatory obligations.
Through a combination of legal analysis, case studies, and risk-management strategies, the course equips researchers, administrators, and compliance professionals to identify export-controlled activities, secure appropriate licenses or exemptions, and respond to investigations or audits.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
-
Understand and interpret U.S. export control regulations (ITAR, EAR, OFAC) and their relevance to academic research, including cross-border collaborations and international students.
-
Distinguish between controlled and uncontrolled technology and apply fundamental research and educational information exemptions.
-
Design and manage compliance programs that cover technology transfer, shipping, travel, and publication of research findings.
-
Identify and mitigate risks associated with foreign influence, restricted parties, and high-risk research areas such as AI, advanced materials, quantum computing, or biotechnology.
-
Respond effectively to enforcement actions, audits, and investigations, protecting institutional and individual interests.
-
Integrate export control considerations into contracts, grant proposals, and international agreements while sustaining a culture of compliance and open science.
