Sapienza, in accordance with the freedom of research and the values recognized by the scientific community regarding research ethics and integrity, has adopted Guidelines on the compliance of research activities involving dual-use technologies in the context of collaborations outside the European Union, developed by the Dual-Use Issues Panel.

The guidelines developed by the Panel provide an overview of the regulations and propose procedures for competitive and commissioned research projects, involving CERT to review proposals in accordance with “dual-use” regulations. In particular, the document outlines guidelines for managing compliance in research activities involving “dual-use” technologies and products in collaborations outside the European Union. In fact, since 2021, with Regulation (EU) 2021/821, the EU has established export control rules for dual-use items for security reasons. This regulation, together with Recommendation (EU) 2021/1700, also applies to academic research, highlighting the need for a research security compliance program. These guidelines outline the steps to follow to obtain authorizations and mitigate research security risks. They also provide for specific due diligence measures in the case of collaborations with countries at risk regarding respect for human rights.

The first version of the Guidelines was approved by Resolution 265/24 of the Academic Senate on November 12, 2024; On October 8, 2025, the Academic Senate, the Board of Directors, and the College of Department Chairs, in a joint session, approved the amendment to the “Guidelines on Compliance for Research Activities on Dual-Use Issues in the Context of Collaborations Outside the European Union”

Read the Guidelines on Compliance for Research Activities on Dual-Use Issues in the Context of Collaborations Outside the European Union – October 2025

Departmental Compliance Officer for Dual-Use Research

The Departmental Contact Person for Dual-Use Research Compliance (or Departmental Contact Person)—appointed by the Department Director—provides support to Department members and bodies regarding dual-use regulations and the potential risks of research in this area. Researchers may contact the Contact Person for initial guidance regarding the dual-use potential of their research

Due Diligence

Before initiating a research collaboration on topics with potential dual-use implications with institutions or organizations based in a country where there is a risk of human rights violations, the principal investigator is required to conduct an ethical assessment (Due Diligence). A Due Diligence form has been made available to researchers and can be requested from the Department’s Dual-Use Coordinator. This process is carried out in accordance with the internal procedures communicated by CERT and is supported by the Ethics and Compliance Office for any further investigation into the relevant foreign partner.