Hosting International Visitors and Scholars
Fostering Global Collaboartion
The University of Utah welcomes international scholars and visitors who contribute to our academic and research community.
To ensure these collaborations are conducted responsibly and in compliance with U.S. laws, faculty and departments must coordinate with the Research Security Office before extending invitations to foreign nationals.
The Research Security Office (RSO) supports international collaboration by helping faculty and departments navigate U.S. export control laws, conduct restricted party screenings, and ensure compliance with federal regulations. By partnering with the RSO early in the planning process, departments can ensure that international visits are secure, compliant, and successful.
The RSO ensures that international collaborations align with U.S. laws and university policies. This includes safeguarding sensitive research, intellectual property, and federally funded projects from undue foreign influence or unauthorized access.
Certain technologies, data, and research activities are subject to U.S. export control laws. The RSO evaluates whether a proposed visit involves controlled information or equipment and advises on necessary licenses or safeguards.
All foreign visitors must be screened against federal restricted party lists. The RSO conducts this screening to identify any potential compliance risks and to determine whether additional review or licensing is required.
If a visitor is affiliated with a restricted institution or is from a sanctioned country, the RSO provides guidance on how to proceed. This may include developing a compliance plan or applying for federal licenses when necessary.
The RSO offers training sessions and one-on-one consultations to help faculty and staff understand export control regulations, research security requirements, and best practices for hosting international visitors.
The University of Utah hosts a number of international scholars each year from around the world.
Visit the Office of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs for more information about initiating the process of hosting an international scholar at the University of Utah.
When should you reach out?
- Before inviting a foreign scholar, researcher, or collaborator to campus
- When planning joint research with international partners
- If the visitor will access labs, research data, or university systems
- When unsure whether export controls or security reviews apply