The National Science Foundation (NSF) now requires annual certification for all principal investigators (PIs) and co-principal investigators (co-PIs) named on NSF awards made on or after May 20, 2024.
As of Saturday, June 7, 2025, and in accordance with the , affected individuals must certify each year at that they are not a party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP).
What you need to know:
- NSF is notifying impacted PIs and co-PIs directly.
- The certification requirement applies only to PIs and co-PIs, not to institutions.
- After logging in to, impacted individuals will be prompted to complete the MFTRP certification.
- PIs and co-PIs with multiple active awards only need to certify once per year.
- Completed certifications are viewable under the Academic/Professional Information section of the user's profile.
- Individuals currently involved in an MFTRP are not eligible to serve as senior and key personnel on NSF proposals or any NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024.
- NSF plans to expand this certification requirement to all senior and key personnel in the future.
- Guidance for Authorized Organizational Representatives (AORs) is available in.
NSF resources and support:
- FAQs and MFTRP contract examples will be available soon on the.
- For questions about this requirement, email researchsecurity@nsf.gov.
- For technical or system issues, contact the NSF IT Help Desk at 1.800.381.1532 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. ET) or email rgov@nsf.gov.
ORTM resources and support:
- ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Research Security Programs webpage.
- For questions, email researchsecurity@case.edu.