Strengthening Research Security Capacity Across African Research Institutions

Supporting practical implementation of trusted research in diverse institutional contexts

Research security is becoming an integral part of the international research landscape. Funders, governments and research organisations are placing greater emphasis on trusted research, due diligence and responsible international collaboration.

For many African institutions, however, these conversations are emerging within a very different context to the countries that have been the driving force in research security policies. National regulatory systems continue to develop, resources and infrastructure vary significantly between institutions, and research management professionals are often being asked to respond to international expectations while navigating very different local realities.

The Science for Africa Foundation and ARMA wanted to support research management professionals across Africa to engage confidently with these issues and begin developing approaches that were workable within their own institutional and regulatory environments.

The challenge

Research security frameworks are often presented as established systems with clear processes, policies and regulatory expectations. Even if the policy context is stable, institutions are often at very different stages of maturity. Where the policy context is still emerging, things become even more complex.

The challenge was not simply explaining trusted research concepts. It was helping participants interpret and apply them in ways that were proportionate, practical and achievable within their own organisational environments.

This meant creating space for institutions to think critically about risk, governance and international collaboration while recognising the diversity of circumstances across the continent. Rather than assuming a common starting point, the programme needed to support participants to identify realistic and meaningful next steps.

Formation's approach

We designed a programme that combined structured learning with peer discussion and practical reflection.

Alongside introducing trusted research concepts, we explored how research security considerations could be integrated into institutional decision-making around partnerships, data, intellectual assets and research activity.

Throughout the programme, participants considered how international frameworks relate to their own organisational realities. Discussions focused on translating concepts such as trusted research, due diligence and proportionality into approaches that could work within different institutional structures and regulatory environments.

Peer learning formed an important part of the programme. Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from colleagues who had already begun implementing research security approaches within African institutions, providing practical insights into both challenges and progress.

The impact

Participants left with a stronger understanding of research security risks and growing international expectations around trusted research.

More importantly, they began considering how research security principles could be applied within their own institutional context.

One participant reflected that the programme helped them move from "research security gap analysis to policy development and implementation", highlighting the importance of connecting awareness with practical institutional action.

The programme also created valuable opportunities for peer exchange, helping participants build networks and learn from the experiences of others facing similar challenges.

Looking ahead

Trusted research is most effective when institutions can make informed decisions that reflect their own risks, resources and priorities.

As expectations around research security continue to evolve, institutions need approaches that are practical, proportionate and capable of being implemented within their own organisational environments.