Insights

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

In the Reimagining Governance for a Flourishing Research Culture project, our shadow committees were given a framework around their agendas and meetings. They were also given the flexibility to adapt that framework to meet the needs of everyone taking part. They have kept some parts of the traditional format adopted by committees across the organisation. They have also chosen key areas to do things differently and make their work more accessible.

When thinking about security, we often think about how we keep threats out: cyber defences, building access controls, travelling with clean devices. Yet, recent years have emphasised uncomfortable truths: insider threats can be embedded deep within in research communities. Two case studies underscore how this can happen (both intentionally and unintentionally).

At Formation, we know that the research and innovation sector doesn’t stand still. It evolves quickly—shaped by policy shifts, funding changes, talent shortages, and new security and compliance demands. Responding to these pressures often requires more than capacity. It needs experience, agility, and trust. That’s why we’re exploring a new service: Formation Fractional.

In this new article for Research Professional News, Better research is not a luxury, but it needs a collective effort, Sapna Marwaha challenges the idea that improving research culture, integrity, and security is a “nice to have.” Instead, she argues it’s essential—and more achievable when the sector pools its efforts.

The direction of travel for research security in the UK is an increasing focus on specific countries.