Exile for Export Rule Change

doi:10.1126/science.312.5776.985b

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ScienceScope

Under pressure from researchers, the U.S. Commerce Department has retreated from new export-control rules that would have made it harder for nationals from some countries to do research in the United States. One year ago, the government proposed new rules on safeguarding sensitive technologies, one of which would have required schools to obtain export licenses before employing foreigners including Indians, Chinese, and Russians in certain projects. Universities argued that the rules were so onerous that they'd hinder research (Science, 13 May 2005, p. 938).

Commerce now wants "to step back … and consider more broadly how best to balance national security with openness in research," says Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security David McCormick. Commerce is forming a committee to review the issue and report back within a year. Academics hope any new policies will address their concerns.