Insights

Change is rarely comfortable. Whether it’s scaling down, restructuring, or adapting to new priorities, organisational change disrupts routines and challenges assumptions. The systems and habits that worked in steady times can quickly become obstacles when the ground shifts beneath you. In times of change, clinging to old rules can feel safe but it can also hold you back. What made sense yesterday might not serve you today. Navigating change isn’t just about survival; it’s abo

The research security landscape in Europe is experiencing rapid change, a growing drive for cooperation, and increasing maturity in risk management approaches. Drawing on our latest survey data and discussions from leading research managers in the Stronger Cooperation, Safer Collaboration project, we observed both common trends and persistent challenges in how research teams now perceive and operationalise risk. A Shift Towards Flexibility and Proportionality Our findings sho

We’re thrilled that our session, “Reimagining Research Governance: Insights from the Shadow Committees Project,” has been accepted for presentation at the EARMA Conference 2026, taking place in Utrecht, The Netherlands, from 5–7 May 2026. About EARMA Conference Utrecht 2026 The EARMA Annual Conference is Europe’s premier gathering for research management and administration professionals. This year’s theme, “Empowering Research Managers and Administrators as Leaders for Impact

Universities are engines of innovation and knowledge. In today’s world, their digital presence makes them prime targets for cybercriminals and hostile actors. Australia’s top academic institutions have learned, sometimes painfully, that research security is now as much about robust digital defenses as it is about physical lab locks. Case studies from across the country reveal what’s truly at stake in the digital dimension and what the global research community can learn from

After a brief hiatus, we are delighted to see the Festival of Trusteeship return to annual calendar. Now in its fifth year , the Festival of Trusteeship  has become a cornerstone event for governance professionals across the UK. This year, Formation Consultancy  is proud to be participating for the third time , continuing its commitment to inclusive, courageous, and effective board leadership. Our founder, Sapna Marwaha, will be chairing an exciting session: 🎙️ “Challenge

As research becomes increasingly global, so too do the challenges of securing it. At the upcoming EU Flagship Conference on Research Security in Brussels later this month, Sapna Marwaha will be presenting on the topic of “Global Perspectives on Research Security”, offering a nuanced view of how institutions across regions are navigating the complex landscape of research risk.

Despite years of discussion around trustee diversity, progress has been slow. A recent Charity Commission report confirms that board diversity in England and Wales has barely shifted in nearly two decades. Yet we know that diverse boards make better decisions, drive innovation, and deliver greater impact. So how do we move from intention to action? Reach Volunteering’s new resource, Diversifying Governance Through Shadowing Programmes, offers a practical, tested approac

There is a growing policy push for universities to specialise: to focus on their areas of research strength, consolidate excellence, and align more closely with strategic national priorities. At ARMA 2025, Steven Hill (Director of Research at Research England) invited universities to consider doing 'less'. This call has echoed across recent policy discussions. On the surface, this makes sense. The sector is looking for solutions in a challenging financial climate.

Academic conferences are the lifeblood of research—places to share findings, forge collaborations, and grow careers. But every seasoned academic knows the stress of packing: What if you forget your slides? Your poster? But there’s a packing mistake you may not have considered—one with consequences far graver than showing up without business cards. It’s the risk of unwittingly becoming part of a research security incident at airport security.

When we launched our Shadow Committee initiative for the Reimagining Governance for a Flourishing Research Culture project, one principle grounded every decision we made: inclusivity is not optional—it’s essential. For this experiment to truly make an impact, the Shadow Committees had to reflect the full diversity of our community. Only then could we effectively evaluate the additive value of bringing new perspectives into research governance

In today’s interconnected research landscape, security is no longer a niche concern. It’s a strategic imperative. Yet across Europe, national responses to research security remain fragmented and inconsistent. While some nations have regulatory frameworks, others rely on softer, less centralised measures and some are yet to implement frameworks at all. This lack of harmonisation is more than a policy gap; it’s a growing risk to the integrity and competitiveness of internationa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept — it’s a practical tool that governance professionals are using today to enhance efficiency, consistency, and communication. From drafting minutes to managing board documentation, AI offers real opportunities to streamline operations. But to realise its full potential, it must be introduced thoughtfully, ethically, and with the right safeguards in place. Below are key considerations for governance teams exploring

South Africa’s research sector is vibrant and internationally connected, yet recent events have shown that gaps in digital and operational infrastructure can be exploited, risking both research integrity and essential service delivery. Several specific case studies highlight the realities and lessons learned as the country strengthens its research security posture.

The UK’s new security strategy shifts the focus to resilience and promises a new research security strategy in time. The foundations of any resilient sector are built on the security, engagement, and development of its people. Yet, despite much attention through the research culture agenda in recent years, precarity remains prominent within the research ecosystem. The consequences are not just personal—they are structural, undermining organisational and sector resilience. As

The 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) highlights research security as a core concern for safeguarding the UK’s economic, technological, and strategic interests. Here's what the NSS tells us about the promise of a new research security strategy: Strategic Importance The NSS positions research security alongside economic security and national resilience. It recognises the UK's research and innovation assets as critical to maintaining a competitive and secure position global