OPINION — The United States is losing its most valuable intellectual property at an alarming rate. While policymakers debate how to balance security with scientific progress, our adversaries — especially China — are exploiting our indecision. One solution is clear: AI-driven vetting technology must be implemented immediately to protect taxpayer-funded research from foreign espionage.
Given the thousands of foreign researchers embedded within the U.S. National Labs and associated university research community, traditional screening tools are simply overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the vetting challenge. On the other hand, blanket bans on broad classes of foreign researchers would be a draconian “quick fix,” with its own detrimental impacts, given the direct contributions of international scientists and engineers to our innovation and economic growth. A precise, scalable, and efficient AI-driven vetting system is the only viable path forward.
The problem: Leaving the door open
U.S. Department of Energy [DoE] national labs, home to some of the nation’s most sensitive advanced technological developments—ranging from nuclear security, supercomputing, AI, and advanced energy technologies—have been especially vulnerable targets. The Senate Energy Committee recently confirmed that China’s state-sponsored recruitment efforts, such as the Thousand Talents Program, have successfully extracted U.S. research despite restrictions. U.S. universities pose an even greater risk, with weaker security protocols and a culture of open collaboration making them prime targets for foreign intelligence operations.
The challenge isn’t just keeping known bad actors out—it’s identifying compromised individuals before they gain access to sensitive research. The U.S. needs an innovative vetting approach that works in real-time, scales across institutions, and provides actionable intelligence.
The solution: AI-driven vetting
AI-powered systems can revolutionize research security in three key ways:
· AI-driven risk assessment to screen researchers: Machine-learning models can cross-reference applicants against security concerns, detecting hidden ties to foreign intelligence agencies.
· Voice analytics technology: Cutting-edge signal analysis can quickly and accurately detect potential risk, flagging individuals for further scrutiny.
· Natural language processing (NLP) for ongoing monitoring: AI can scan research publications, funding applications, and institutional partnerships in real-time to detect security risks before they escalate.
These tools already exist and are in use in military and intelligence settings, unlike at DoE labs which act in a more collegial spirit of collaboration and require a mind shift to put more aggressive screenings in place. It is acknowledged that tens of thousands of foreign nationals in our DoE ecosystem have not been subject to a comprehensive screening process.
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Addressing concerns and overcoming barriers
Critics may argue that AI-based screening could infringe on academic freedom or result in false positives that deter legitimate researchers. However, a well-calibrated AI system would not impose blanket restrictions but rather enhance the ability to distinguish between genuine collaboration and security threats. Additionally, a human review component ensures that AI-flagged concerns are assessed with context and nuance.
Implementation faces bureaucratic and institutional resistance. Universities, which thrive on open collaboration, may resist increased vetting. To address this, AI-powered vetting should be framed as a “National Security Pre-Check Program” similar to TSA Pre-Check—rapidly clearing low-risk individuals while flagging potential threats for deeper review. This approach streamlines the process, preserves openness, and safeguards critical research.
The urgency to act
The loss of U.S. research to foreign adversaries isn’t just a security issue—it’s a threat to America’s future. If we fail to act, the next generation of groundbreaking technologies will be developed and deployed by our rivals.
AI offers the most effective solution, but it must be deployed now. Washington must move beyond debate and start implementing the technology that can protect America’s research enterprise while keeping it a global leader in innovation.
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