Initiatives to bolster research security in the EU, advanced by the European Commission on October 28, will soon filter down to researchers setting up projects. These measures aim to enhance support for researchers in managing risks associated with international cooperation.
One key development is the introduction of a due diligence platform designed to help researchers assess potential risks in their partnerships abroad. Additionally, the Commission plans to establish a centre of expertise on research security, which is expected to be operational by mid-2026.
According to Claire Gray, senior policy officer at the League of European Research Universities (LERU), the research community has been seeking support on due diligence for some time. “It is challenging to know where to find information relating to risks in international collaborations,” she explained.
Gray also highlighted that while there are a range of commercial tools available for this purpose, “all of these come at a cost, and none cover the area sufficiently well.” She pointed to resources such as the China Defence Universities Tracker as examples, though further comprehensive tools are still needed.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/technology-transfer/research-security-measures-come-online-2026
