Short abstract:

This panel analyses ‘research security’ from its impact on individual researchers. Research institutions should prevent the undesirable transfer of sensitive technology. Yet the calls for ‘research security’ should be scrutinized from the perspectives of equal treatment and non-discrimination.

Long abstract:

‘Research security’ and ‘knowledge security’ have been increasingly used in the regulation of international research collaboration. Research security can be described as preventing the undesirable transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. In the Netherlands, the National Knowledge Security Guidelines were issued in 2022 for Dutch universities. In 2023, the Dutch government proposed a legislation to require universities to conduct screening of foreign students and researchers, which invited criticisms from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Research security has also been discussed at the EU’s level. In January 2024, the European Commission submitted a proposed Council recommendation to enhance ‘research security’ within the EU.

Against this background, this panel sheds light on one of the overlooked issues surrounding research or knowledge security: the implications of research security for individual researchers and students. Research security is intertwined with geopolitical tensions, especially those between the US and EU on the one hand, and China on the other hand. In the midst of political tensions, very limited attention has been given to the protection of those individuals who may be subject to extra scrutiny on the basis of their nationality. While the European Commission’s proposal on research security referred to the need for avoiding discrimination and stigmatization, ‘security’ is often invoked for justifying the limitations on the principle of non-discrimination. The panel examines some of the conceptual and practical challenges surrounding universities in their efforts to secure research security and ensure appropriate safeguards to protect fundamental rights.