Collin Rich was named chief research security officer at Indiana University, effective December 13, 2023.

Rich leads the IU Research Security Office, which addresses the security risks posed to the research environment at Indiana University and helps researchers protect themselves, their research data and methodologies, publication rights, and intellectual property. The office also leads IU’s compliance efforts with a growing field of government rules and regulations in the area of research security.

Rich will work with university leaders responsible for public safety and compliance, as well as state and federal oversight agencies, to ensure the security of IU research, intellectual property and associated systems. He and the entire Research Security Office team will continue working with researchers to ensure adequate safeguards are in place.

During his career at The University of Alabama, Rich led contracting efforts in support of the university’s research mission, launched the university’s first campus-wide export control compliance program, and spearheaded the process to enable university faculty and staff to engage in controlled research that serves the needs of the United States government.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from The University of Alabama and a juris doctor from The University of Alabama School of Law.