# DoD Expands University Research Audits

The Department of Defense (DoD), referred to as the Department of War in one release, says all 30 universities named in its August 2026 research-security directive completed audits and mitigated identified relationships with foreign entities of concern listed under NDAA Section 1286. The reviews resulted in more than 80 termination-related actions, and the department has signaled that it may audit additional institutions. Universities that fail to meet its standards risk losing federal research funding; no contract, solicitation, or funding amount was announced.

- Universities and contractors supporting federally funded academic research should review foreign affiliations, disclosures, and research collaborations in light of the completed audits and potential broader scrutiny.
- The reported funding risk makes research-security practices relevant to institutions pursuing DoD-funded work and to contractors whose performance depends on university research partners.
- One signal separately cites Ohio State University's **$2.1 million** False Claims Act settlement as an example of potential liability; it is not described as a contract award or as part of the audit results.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Education
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (identified as the Department of War in one release) (DoD / DoW)

### Sources
- [Pentagon threatens universities that have ties to 'foreign entities of concern,' hints at additional audits | DefenseScoop](https://defensescoop.com/2026/10/19/pentagon-research-security-audits-universities) - DefenseScoop
- [
	Department of War Announces Research Security Mitigation Results From Academic Institutions > U.S. Department of War > Release | U.S. Department of War
](https://www.war.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4628392/department-of-war-announces-research-security-mitigation-results-from-academic) - U.S. Department of War (.gov)
- [Pentagon Research Security Sweep: 30 Universities Done, All Others Now on Notice for Second Wave](https://www.techtimes.com/articles/329257/20261020/pentagon-research-security-sweep-30-universities-done-all-others-now-notice-second-wave.htm) - Tech Times