# US Department of Defense university research audits > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-defense-university-research-audits > Updated: 2026-10-19T17:25:55.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The US Department of Defense (DOD) directed 30 universities to review research partnerships with foreign entities identified as national security concerns, specifically targeting institutions in China, Russia, and Iran. The Pentagon utilized federal research funding as leverage to mitigate risks to US technological advantages. The DOD has concluded these security audits, reporting more than 80 “termination-related actions” across the participating institutions. While all 30 universities complied with the request to resolve identified relationships, seven institutions—Oklahoma State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, and Virginia Tech—were noted for taking proactive measures beyond the minimum requirements. Some institutions, such as Drake University, maintained that certain scrutinized collaborations did not involve sensitive technology or military-funded research. Georgetown University completed the audit and stated it maintains a research security program to protect against foreign interference while meeting federal mandates. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-19: Pentagon completes security audits of 30 universities The U.S. Department of Defense has completed security audits of 30 universities, resulting in over 80 terminations of research ties with foreign entities deemed a national security concern. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-completes-security-audits-of-30-universities ### 2026-10-19: US Department of Defense pressures universities over China research ties The US Department of Defense has pressured 30 universities to sever ties with certain Chinese institutions to protect national security and research integrity, leading to dozens of terminated partnerships. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-researchers-move-abroad-amid-changes-to-scientific-funding --- Cite as: US Department of Defense university research audits. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-department-of-defense-university-research-audits