The international research ecosystem involves multiple actors responsible for research integrity and security, including national governments, research funding agencies, research institutions, universities, academic associations, and intergovernmental organizations. This report examines policy initiatives and actions aimed at protecting national and economic security while also promoting freedom of inquiry, international research cooperation, and ensuring openness and non-discrimination.
Highlights examples of actions taken to prevent foreign interference, manage risks, and maintain trust in science, and provides recommendations for countries to develop effective policies to strengthen research security within the broader context of research integrity. Ensuring research integrity and security is essential to maintaining the public trust in science, ensuring the reliability of research findings, and protecting national interests.
National governments play a crucial role in developing and enforcing policies that protect research integrity and security. The report suggests that countries should take a holistic approach to research security, involving all actors in the research ecosystem. For example, national governments should work with research institutions and funding agencies to establish and enforce research security policies, and promote transparency and accountability in research activities. Governments can also facilitate international research cooperation by providing funding and support for collaborative research projects, and by promoting the exchange of ideas and research findings across borders.
Research institutions and universities are also essential players in ensuring research integrity and security. They should establish and enforce policies that promote ethical research practices, and provide training and education on research security issues to their staff and students. They should also monitor and manage risks associated with research activities, including cybersecurity risks, intellectual property theft, and foreign interference. Academic associations can provide guidance and support to their members on research integrity and security issues.
Intergovernmental organizations also play a critical role in promoting research integrity and security on a global scale. These organizations can facilitate international collaboration, establish best practices, and provide guidance and support to member countries. The report suggests that intergovernmental organizations should work with national governments, research institutions, and funding agencies to develop and implement effective research security policies and practices.
In conclusion, ensuring research integrity and security is essential to maintaining the public trust in science, promoting international research cooperation, and protecting national interests. It requires the involvement and collaboration of all actors in the research ecosystem, including national governments, research funding agencies, research institutions, universities, academic associations, and intergovernmental organizations. The report provides recommendations for countries to develop effective policies and practices to strengthen research security as part of a broader framework of research integrity.