Restrictions on Foreign Nationals

Since the tragic events of 9/11 steps taken by Congress and the Administration have tightened requirements on “restricted persons” that could have serious implications for university research programs. We have recently seen clauses that attempt to restrict foreign nationals from conducting research on awards granted to MIT or which require prior advanced approval from a sponsor for a foreign national to participate in a particular (unclassified) research project. Clearly such restrictions are not compatible with the educational environment of MIT. No foreign national granted a visa by the US government should be denied access to courses, research or publications generally available on campus. To date, MIT has refused, in all cases, to accept this restriction in any of its awards. In the present climate, we might expect to see more instances of attempts to include such restrictions in future awards. Should MIT faculty learn from their program officers early on of any attempt to incorporate such restrictions in their pending awards, please notify your contract administrator in OSP.

For reference, the current MIT policies governing the openness of research are contained in Policies and Procedures 14.2 and in the report entitled In the Public Interest. A Report Of The Ad Hoc Faculty Committee On Access To And Disclosure Of Scientific Information, June 2002.

Last updated 10/16/03

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