About MIT Export Control

Protecting MIT’s Open Research policy and the free exchange of information among scholars while complying with U.S. export control law

Export Control at MIT affects

Export Control Exceptions apply at MIT for:

  • Fundamental research, defined as basic and applied research in science and engineering, where the resulting information is ordinarily published and shared broadly within the scientific community. Fundamental research has no restrictions on publication (except a brief review period for proprietary or patentable information) and no restrictions on who can participate. More information about fundamental research available here.

Exceptions to MIT's Open Research Policy

MIT only allows fundamental research on campus. Exceptions to MIT’s Open Research policy [website] are granted when the work is crucially important to MIT’s mission [website] and the research cannot be conducted with alternative materials.

Restricted Material at MIT

Being permitted to receive restricted material on campus is only permitted in rare situations when it is critical to the research. Before restricted material is allowed on campus, the person responsible for the research will develop a detailed, practical, and effective Technology Control Plan (TCP) in conjunction with the Export Control Officer. The template for a Request for Exception to Open Research Policy and Technology Control Plan can be obtained here. The status of your TCP project will be reviewed annually by the ECO.

Restricted Party Screening

MIT’s policy is to comply with all U.S. export control laws and regulations. MIT performs restricted party screening using an electronic tool to ensure that MIT does not conduct business, accept research sponsorship, enter into research collaborations, grant sub-awards, or export to individuals, companies, or organizations that appear on federal restricted party lists.

Government Support of Campus Fundamental Research

Government long-standing support of fundamental research on US campuses and encouragement of wide dissemination of fundamental research results is affirmed by the following documents:

Need help?

Contact the MIT Export Control Compliance Team at exportcontrolhelp@mit.edu, or by phone at 617-253-2762 (Janet Johnston).

Note: The information provided on this website applies only to MIT’s academic campus. MIT Lincoln Laboratory [website] operates separately as a Federally-Funded Research and Development Center under contract with the US Air Force.