Research@KU

Restricted Research Policy Now in Effect

Last spring the faculty senate approved a new policy which was ultimately put into place last fall:  the statement on restricted research. The statement on restricted research replaces an earlier policy, the statement on classified research. While the university is fundamentally committed to maintaining an open environment in which researchers experience the freedom to participate in research and to publish or otherwise disseminate their research results, the new policy recognizes that “in limited cases the pursuit of knowledge may involve critically important but sensitive areas of inquiry where the immediate publication or dissemination of research results may not be in the best interest of the involved parties or society.”

While it is the practice of the office of the vice provost for research to attempt to resolve restrictions on publication or access to the research process or facilities through negotiations with external sponsors, the restricted research policy permits exemptions, that is, restrictions on publication or access, so long as the research has very substantial scholarly or educational benefits, involves unique university capabilities, or constitutes a very substantial public service.

To apply for an exemption under the policy, an investigator must submit an application to the restricted research committee, a faculty committee which makes recommendations to the vice provost for research as to whether a proposed research project meets these criteria. The university will not accept any grant or contract which includes restrictions on publication or access unless an exemption is approved by the restricted research committee or by the vice provost for research. Information regarding the procedures for applying for an exemption, as well as the policy itself, may be found on the Research Integrity Web site.

Recommendations made by the restricted research committee are posted on the university governance Web site.