Certified Secure Researcher logoCertified Secure Researcher™

A trusted pathway to research security readiness.

Align your institution and investigators with United States research security requirements. The Certified Secure Researcher™ designation links directly to each researcher's 16-digit ORCiD identifier and proves that they have met the standards funding agencies expect.

Linked Credentials

ORCiD-integrated CSR number

Attach a verifiable security designation directly to the researcher identifier funding agencies already rely on.

Compliance Ready

Foreign affiliation adjudication

Document attestations, disclosures, and remediation steps once—then share with every sponsor who needs proof.

Acceleration

Expedited due diligence

Give reviewers instant visibility into training completion, risk mitigation status, and sponsorship eligibility.

A designation that travels with every proposal.

The CSR credential centralizes research security verification with a consistent standard. Agencies and sponsors can quickly confirm a researcher's compliance posture, while investigators stay focused on science instead of paperwork.

  • Verifiable security training

    Track required coursework inside the CSR portal and export completion logs for award compliance.

  • Centralized attestations

    Collect and re-use foreign affiliation disclosures with automated reminders for annual updates.

  • Institutional visibility

    Compliance leaders can monitor program progress across departments with a consolidated dashboard.

  • Sponsor confidence

    CSR badge on ORCiD profiles signals readiness from first proposal draft through final award.

Step-by-step path to certification

Every participant follows a documented journey that culminates in a verified CSR number and ORCiD badge.

View Application Requirements
  1. 01

    Register for the ORCiD ID program

    Create or confirm your 16-digit ORCiD identifier. This global researcher ID is required before beginning the CSR process.

  2. 02

    Complete the CSR online application

    Use your ORCiD credentials to create a CSR account, provide contact details, and initiate your security questionnaire.

  3. 03

    Submit payment

    Securely pay the application fee to unlock access to the virtual enrollment center and supporting documentation portal.

  4. 04

    Schedule your interview

    Select an appointment time with the CSR adjudication team to review affiliations and confirm program prerequisites.

  5. 05

    Attend the virtual adjudication

    Share collaboration histories, upload supporting documents, complete assigned training, and sign the mitigation agreement.

  6. 06

    Receive your CSR number

    Upon approval, receive your designation via email and watch the CSR icon appear on your ORCiD profile for all sponsors to view.

Built for compliance, designed for clarity.

CSR gives researchers a modern workflow that satisfies institutional, state, and federal expectations. Everything lives in one secure portal, from initial attestations through continuing education requirements.

Continuous monitoring

Automated check-ins ensure researchers keep certifications, attestations, and training requirements current.

Secure document vault

Upload sensitive disclosures and agreements into a protected portal with audit trails for institutional oversight.

Policy alignment

CSR templates map to NSPM-33, CHIPS & Science Act, and federated sponsor guidance for confidence during reviews.

Collaboration ready

Share certification status with partner institutions and primes, reducing duplication across multi-institution proposals.

What sponsors see

  • CSR number linked to the investigator's ORCiD record and validation timestamp.
  • Confirmation of completed training modules and signed risk mitigation agreements.
  • Flag-free status for foreign affiliation attestations and due diligence checks.
  • Optional report sharing with partner agencies and prime awardees.

Who benefits from the CSR program?

CSR supports the entire research ecosystem—from principal investigators to compliance offices and industry sponsors. Each stakeholder gains a shared language for security readiness.

Principal Investigators
University Compliance Offices
Sponsored Programs Teams
Corporate R&D Partners

Frequently asked questions

Need more context before you register? These answers cover the essentials of getting started with Certified Secure Researcher™.

How long does the CSR adjudication process take?

Most applicants receive their CSR number within 10 business days of completing the virtual appointment and submitting required documentation. Complex international profiles may take additional time.

Does CSR replace institutional training requirements?

CSR complements your existing training. It provides a centralized record that can satisfy multiple sponsor expectations, but institutions may maintain additional curricula based on their policies.

Can teams verify CSR status for collaborators?

Yes. Institutions and sponsors can request status reports directly through the CSR portal or confirm via the investigator’s ORCiD profile badge and CSR number.

Ready to secure your research credentials?

Create your CSR account with your ORCiD ID, complete the virtual adjudication process, and share your certification instantly with proposal teams and compliance officers.