Driving Research Security Cooperation Across Europe

Fostering Collaboration and Capacity Building for Secure International Research

Following the publication of the Complex Collaborations: Efficiency, Equity, Quality and Security in International Research report for ARMA in March 2023, Formation and colleagues recognised that meaningful sector-wide change required not just comprehensive recommendations but active engagement. To embed the report’s insights into practice, it was essential to share, explain, and discuss these complex themes widely, while nurturing a collaborative community of research security practitioners.

Our Approach

In April 2024, Formation took these ideas to the field by hosting a dynamic Research Security Summit as a pre-conference event at EARMA 2024 (European Association of Research Managers and Administrators) Annual Conference in Odense, Denmark. Sponsored by the UK Science and Innovation Network, the summit aimed to move beyond traditional presentations by engaging participants in interactive learning and peer exchange.

Key features of the summit included:

• Four interactive sessions themed around the report’s core areas: efficiency, equity, quality, and security in international research.

• A diverse line up of speakers including representatives from universities, government, professional bodies and experts from Europe and North America.

• Facilitated discussions that encouraged sharing of practical experiences, challenges, and solutions.

• An international gathering of research managers and administrators from Europe, North America, and New Zealand, creating a rich, cross-cultural dialogue.

• This format helped build connections and establish a foundation for ongoing collaboration to strengthen research security risk awareness and management in global partnerships.

The Impact

Feedback from the summit attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the event’s interactive nature and practical relevance. Insights and relationships formed during the summit have since influenced networks and practice across Europe.

Building on this momentum, Formation and collaborators followed up with a series of three webinars to open the programme up to a wider audience, deepen participants’ understanding and sustain engagement. These continued learning opportunities have helped embed best practice while fostering a supportive, informed community of research security practitioners.

This initiative was led by Loughborough University in partnership with Formation and Stirling University, with sponsorship from the UK FCDO Science and Technology Network.