The Research on Research Security (RoRS) program is an initiative by the National Science Foundation (NSF) aimed at safeguarding the United States research enterprise by advancing scholarly understanding of research security. As a core part of NSF’s mission to protect the integrity of U.S. research, RoRS supports interdisciplinary, evidence-based research that examines the scope, challenges, and dynamics of research security. This includes understanding security threats, preventative strategies, and policy implications, thereby fostering the development of a robust academic field centered on research security.

This program encourages a collaborative approach that brings together the STEM research community, research security scholars, and practitioners. RoRS seeks proposals that draw from various disciplines and leverage a wide range of expertise, theories, and research methodologies. The inclusion of international collaborators is also encouraged, particularly those from countries that share U.S. concerns regarding research security. Applicants are invited to explore interdisciplinary methods and innovative data sources to inform U.S. research security policy and practice.

The RoRS program welcomes several types of proposals, including conferences and workshops, planning grants, and Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER). Proposal topics can cover a broad spectrum such as identifying and mitigating research security risks, exploring the implications of security policies, studying human behavior and systemic issues related to security, and examining research security in specific disciplines or through international perspectives.

Projects funded under this program are expected to contribute significantly to the emerging field by producing high-quality data, theoretical insights, and practical tools. The program values rigorous empirical research and encourages the application of established methodologies from diverse fields to build a mature academic discipline around research security. Innovation in identifying and utilizing unique data sources is especially encouraged.

Applications must conform to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), which outlines the preparation and submission requirements. Proposals are accepted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the RoRS program director for guidance prior to submission. All full proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The primary point of contact for this program is Dean M. Evasius, reachable via email at devasius@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-7352. The RoRS program is administered by the Office of the Director (OD) and the Office of the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy (OD/CRSP). The funding opportunity was officially published on April 11, 2025.