CHANGER Policy Brief_Challenges and recommendations for research security: Learning from research ethics and integrity

What is this about?

This European policy brief, developed within the CHANGER project, examines the emerging challenges of research security in a rapidly evolving global research landscape. It highlights risks such as knowledge leakage, foreign interference, and ethical misuse of research, particularly in sensitive technological domains, while emphasising the need to balance security with academic freedom and open science.

Drawing on practices from research ethics and integrity, the brief identifies key gaps—including limited expertise, lack of shared understanding, and insufficient tools—and proposes targeted, practical recommendations. These include fostering a common understanding of research security, leveraging existing institutional resources, building professional expertise, and developing innovative approaches such as “research security-by-design.”

Overall, the brief provides actionable guidance for policymakers, funding bodies, and research institutions to strengthen research security in a proportionate, collaborative, and sustainable way.

Why is this important?

This policy brief is important because it addresses the growing risks facing international research—such as knowledge misuse, foreign interference, and threats to academic freedom—while emphasising the need to preserve openness and collaboration.

It provides practical, balanced recommendations to help policymakers and research institutions strengthen research security using existing ethics and integrity frameworks, ensuring science remains both safe and innovative.

For whom is this important?

Policy MakerResearch Ethics Committee MemberResearch Ethics ExpertResearchersResearchers, Research Ethics Committee Member

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