Reports on knowledge and research security

Here you will find further reports and studies on the subject of knowledge and research security that we use as key sources.

2024

Cover image OSINT report November 2023

© Council of the European Union

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION on enhancing research security (May 2024)

The Council has adopted a recommendation to strengthen research security. The main objective of the recommendation is to assist the European Commission and the Member States in addressing research security risks in the context of international cooperation. It identifies risks such as unwanted knowledge transfer, foreign interference and breaches of ethics or integrity. While the recommendation is not legally binding, it provides guidance on possible actions for the Commission, Member States and the research community.

Cover image OSINT report November 2023

© DLR-PT

Risks in international research cooperation – causes, correlations and effects

What exactly are risks in international research cooperation?

Guidelines and position statements mention risks arising from international research cooperation. In this analysis, we attempt to decipher the complex challenges in global research partnerships and the intricate web of potential risks in international research. Tables in the appendix of the analysis provide a concrete working aid. Specific risk types, risk indicators and possible measures are identified. The document is a supplementary factual basis for discussion. Download is available in English and German.

Cover image OSINT report November 2023

© JASON

JASON report: Safeguarding the Research Enterprise (March 2024)

The new JASON report, commissioned by NSF, aimes to advise on identifying and addressing security concerns in research. “Safeguarding the Research Enterprise” emphasizes international collaboration’s value while recognizing varying risk levels and the importance of distinguishing between sensitive and nonsensitive research. 

2023

Cover image OSINT report November 2023

© ALLEA

OSINT report (November 2023) highlights security gaps in academic institutions

The study by DLR Projektträger used open source intelligence to uncover vulnerabilities in two academic institutions, prompting them to address and resolve the identified issues. It underscores the importance for institutions to not only defend against external threats but also safeguard sensitive information available across the internet.

The European Code of Conduct of Research Integrity

© ALLEA

ALLEA: The European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity

The revised edition of the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity published by ALLEA serves as a framework for self-regulation across all disciplines. The code of conduct is recognized by the European Commission as reference document for research integrity for all EU-funded research projects.

Cover JASON: Research Program on Research Security

© JASON

JASON: Research Program on Research Security

Commissioned by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), in this paper JASON delineates the concepts of “research security” and “research integrity” while sharpening their definitions. Furthermore, it is inquired what needs to be included in a successful NSF research program on research security.

cover of report Hybrid Threads

© European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)

Hybrid Threats – A Comprehensive Resilience Ecosystem

This report is a Science for Policy publication co-authored by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE). It falls within the Facts4EUFuture series, which aims to inform the future of Europe through evidence-based scientific support for policymaking by the European Commission.

Cover image G7 SIGRE Paper

© Security and Integrity of the Global Research Ecosystem (SIGRE) Working Group

G7 Best Practices for Secure & Open Research

This paper was developed by the Security and Integrity of the Global Research Ecosystem (SIGRE) Working Group and aims to support the implementation of the G7 principles of research security by listing best practices that contribute to secure and open research. The best practice examples are implemented by different G7 members will be released in detail in a later version of this paper.

Cover Global University Leaders Council: Hamburg Declaration “Navigating Competition and Collaboration – The Way Forward for Universities”
© GUC Hamburg (Global University Leaders Council Hamburg)

Global University Leaders Council: Hamburg Declaration “Navigating Competition and Collaboration – The Way Forward for Universities”

Global university managements adopted recommendations for dealing with competition and cooperation in the face of global challenges, which have led to new forms of cooperation in science. At the same time, competition has become more intense and complex, due to a changed geopolitical situation, threat to academic freedom and increasing scientific skepticism in many countries. The focus of the declaration is therefore on the balance between competition and cooperation on the basis of institutional values.

2022

Cover of OECD Science, Technology and Industry POLICY PAPERS

© OECD

Integrity and Security in the Global Research Ecosystem. OECD Science, Technology and Industry POLICY PAPERS

The report lays out policy initiatives and actions from stakeholders across the international research ecosystem (like national governments, research funding agencies and universities) that aim at safeguarding national security while protecting academic freedom. Examples on how foreign interference can be prevented and risk can be managed are given. Finally, the report offers recommendations how to strengthen research security.