Department of War flags 130 institutions over technology transfer concerns
The Department of War on July 23 released its Fiscal Year 2025 update to a congressionally mandated list identifying foreign academic and research organizations that it says are involved in activities that could enable unauthorized transfer of U.S. government-funded research. The FY25 compilation formally names 130 institutions located in China, Russia and Iran.
The list is produced under Section 1286 of the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act. According to the department, the update is intended to spotlight entities whose activities "increase the likelihood of U.S. government-funded research and development efforts being misappropriated," and to help guard against adversarial interference that could threaten national security and the integrity of American science.
"The Department of War is strengthening its commitm
What the list does and why it matters
The list functions as a screening tool for federal agencies and universities that receive government research dollars. By identifying institutions that pose elevated risk, the department seeks to reduce covert transfer of technology or know-how that could benefit foreign military or intelligence objectives.
For researchers and institutions, the updated list signals closer scrutiny of collaborations and potential restrictions on partnerships, equipment sharing or data exchanges with the named organizations. For policymakers, it provides an evidentiary basis to inform funding rules, export-control policy and compliance requirements tied to federally supported research.
Key details
- Update date: July 23, 2026 (FY25 list)
- Total institutions named: 130
- Countries identified: China, Russia, Iran
The department described the list as a continuing part of its effort to "highlight and counter unauthorized technology transfer to foreign countries of concern." It framed the update as a step toward protecting research integrity and national security, noting that the institutions named have been "confirmed to engage in activities" that raise the risk of misappropriation.
Implications and next steps
Federal research offices, university compliance teams and industry partners will likely use the list to reassess ongoing and proposed collaborations. Agencies that fund research may increase reporting, tighten disclosure requirements, or seek additional safeguards when projects involve personnel or institutions connected to the listed entities.
| Fiscal Year | Institutions Listed |
|---|---|
| FY2025 | 130 |
The Department of War said the publication fulfills a statutory requirement and supports broader efforts to counter activities that might divert U.S. research benefits to strategic competitors. The update will be used by relevant government and academic stakeholders to inform decisions about collaborations and risk management.
