FIRM Topics:
Questions?
Contact us at the FIU Office of Compliance and Integrity or the Office of Research and Economic Development
Inviting International Visitors
What is the risk?
International guests and delegations to FIU campuses allow for the interpersonal exchange and deeper exploration of innovative approaches which are critical to the formation of strategic global partnerships. In certain rare cases, international visitors may, by virtue of their home-country affiliations, present undue foreign influence and research security concerns. This may occur, for example, when the affiliated home country institution is a U.S. Government restricted or watch-listed entity or organization. As FIU hosts many different visa categories of international visitors for academic and research objectives, the university fully supports opportunities for international visitors to participate in our degree programs, while remaining mindful of instances where foreign influence could be at issue. In addition, the University retains ownership of its Intellectual Property (IP) which is carefully defined and managed so as to prevent unauthorized or intended IP acquisition.
Categories of international visitors include, but are not limited to the following:
- Visiting scholars who are not employed by FIU
- Visiting students
- Visiting individuals and/or delegations from industry, government, and/or non-profit entities
- Volunteers who will engage in research and/or academic activities
FIU’s Response:
In the event that a particular situation involving an international visitor indicates a potential foreign influence issue, FIU’s evaluating team comprised of representatives from ORED, University Compliance, FIU Global and/or the Provost’s office (among other functions) will review and determine whether the activity or transaction can proceed. Hosts of proposed international visiting delegations or other business visitors should contact the University FIU Global office well in advance of such proposed visit so that appropriate guest screening measures can be timely implemented. Please refer to the following link: