Insights

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.

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

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).

Nationality is often central to research due diligence, with universities and institutions screening international collaborators or staff based on citizenship... However, notable espionage incidents—including recent cases in Norway—expose the shortcomings of over-reliance on nationality as a risk filter. Here’s why nationality-led due diligence is too blunt a tool for a complex, global research and innovation ecosystem.

As we approach the release of our brand new report, "Stronger cooperation, safer collaboration: driving research security cooperation...