Insights

When universities think about research security, they often focus on collaborations, funding arrangements and institutional partnerships. Yet many of the cases that attract headlines only come to light at a very different point in the research lifecycle: when people, materials, data or knowledge cross a border. Over the past few years, a number of high-profile cases have involved researchers travelling internationally, moving biological materials between countries, or beco

A few years ago, research security looked like a convergence story, with shared frameworks and increasingly aligned expectations. Through the G7, OECD, Five Eyes and other forums, countries have worked towards shared principles for protecting sensitive research while preserving the benefits of international collaboration. At the flagship European research security conference of 2025, much of the discussion centred on whether harmonisation or alignment was the more realisti

The Trusted Research Evaluation Framework (TREF) offers institutions a structured way to reflect on how they approach research security. Used well, it can support proportionate decision‑making, highlight gaps in capability, and create a shared language across complex institutions. Used less carefully, it risks becoming another checklist layered onto already crowded and stretched compliance environments.

The OECD’s Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2025 makes one thing clear: research security is no longer a peripheral concern. It’s a global priority shaping the future of science and innovation.

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.

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.