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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Our Founder, Sapna Marwaha, was delighted to engage with the team behind the recently published report, Trusted Research & Innovation: How Knowledge Leakage Affects the Research & Innovation Ecosystem by the Innovation and Research Caucus (IRC), as they pulled together their findings. The report offers a comprehensive exploration of how knowledge leakage affects the research and innovation ecosystem—particularly in the context of national and economic security. 

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