The National Science Foundation has announced a new mandatory certification effective June 7, 2025. All NSF-funded PIs and Co-PIs will be prompted to log into Research.gov to complete an annual certification that they are not party to a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.
For additional information relating to this requirement, please see the FAQs listed below.
MFTRP Annual Certification Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MFTRP annual certification?
A: The MFTRP annual certification is described in the NSF PAPPG Chapter II.D.1.e(ii). Individuals who are currently party to a MFTRP are not eligible to serve as senior/key personnel on an NSF proposal or on any NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024. Starting on June 7, 2025, Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs) must certify on an annual basis that they are not party to an MFTRP. NSF will implement the MFTRP annual certification requirement for all other senior/key personnel roles at a future date.
Q: Is a PI or co-PI named on multiple active NSF awards made on or after May 20, 2024, required to complete the MFTRP annual certification for each award?
A: PIs and co-PIs named on multiple active NSF awards made on or after May 20, 2024, must complete the MFTRP annual certification once each year to cover all active awards. The certifications are linked to the users registered in Research.gov with a PI or co-PI role and at least one active NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024.
Q: Must all senior/key personnel named on an NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024, certify annually that they are not party to a MFTRP?
A: Starting on June 7, 2025, all PIs or co-PIs named on an NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024, must certify that they are not party to a MFTRP on an annual basis. NSF intends to expand the MFTRP annual certification requirement for all senior/key personnel roles at a future date.
Q: How will I be notified each year when I am required to complete my MFTRP annual certification in Research.gov?
A: When you are required to certify, a pop-up message will display in Research.gov after you sign in to notify you that you must complete your MFTRP annual certification and what steps you need to take in Research.gov to complete the certification.
Q: Is the MFTRP annual certification different from the MFTRP certifications in the pre-award disclosure documents submitted with an NSF proposal?
A: Yes, the MFTRP annual certification is different. The pre-award disclosures in the Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support proposal sections described in PAPPG Chapter II.B.1 and Chapter II.D.1.e require that all individuals designated as senior/key personnel complete an MFTRP certification for each NSF proposal. The MFTRP annual certification is a post-award requirement. Pursuant to PAPPG Chapter II.D.1.e(ii), all individuals serving as a PI or co-PI on at least one active NSF award made on or after May 20, 2024, will be required to submit their MFTRP certification annually.
Q: Will a PI or co-PI who transfers to another organization have to recertify?
A: No. A PI or co-PI who transfers to another organization will not need to recertify. MFTRP annual certifications are linked to Research.gov users with a PI or co-PI role and an active award made on or after May 20, 2024, and not to their organizations.
Q: How can a PI or co-PI check whether they have already completed a MFTRP annual certification?
A: PIs and co-PIs can view their most recent MFTRP annual certification response under the Academic/Professional Information section of their profile by signing into Research.gov and selecting My Profile at the top of the screen.
Q: Can a PI or co-PI change their response to the MFTRP annual certification?
A: To change a response to the MFTRP annual certification, please email researchsecurity@nsf.gov for guidance.
Q: How long is my Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program annual certification valid?
A: The certification is valid for one year. A PI or co-PI named on an active award made on or after May 20, 2024, must certify in Research.gov each year.
Q: Are there instructions for how to complete the MFTRP annual certification?
A: Please see the Add a New Organization-Approved Role - Principal Investigator PI/Co-PI job aid in the Account Management User Guide for step-by-step instructions and associated screenshots to complete the MFTRP annual certification.
Q: If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
A: Please contact the NSF Office of the Chief of Research Security Strategy and Policy at researchsecurity@nsf.gov for more information. System-related questions should be directed to the NSF IT Service Desk at 1-800-381-1532 (7:00 AM - 9:00 PM ET; Monday - Friday except federal holidays) or rgov@nsf.gov.