Fundamental Research Exclusion

Most Einstein research activities are excluded from export controls because of the exception known as the “Fundamental Research Exclusion.” “Fundamental research” is defined as basic and applied research in science and engineering where the resulting information is published or shared broadly within the scientific community. 

In order to qualify for the Fundamental Research Exclusion, your research must be conducted free of any publication restrictions and without any access or dissemination restrictions (i.e., no restrictions based on nationality).

Export controls also do not apply to information that is already public, and the regulations contain exclusions for information that is in the public domain. 

The Fundamental Research Exclusion does not apply to items, equipment, technical data or software that are export-controlled. Any materials, products or software generated as a result of the research (e.g., prototypes) are not exempt from export controls. Before shipping or taking any tangible item generated under your research project abroad, an export control determination needs to be made to determine if an export license is required to take or transfer the item.