In the current globalized scientific environment, research security is a key prerequisite for trustworthy, sustainable and secure international cooperation. It is a systematic risk management in an environment where open science, international cooperation and applied research intersect.
The issue was discussed in detail at the workshop Research Security and Due Diligence in Academia, which was attended by the Director of the Technology and Innovation Park (TIP-UPJŠ), RNDr. Andrey Miroššay, PhD, on April 26-28 in Bratislava.
The workshop focused on the protection of research, data, know-how, intellectual property and the reputation of academic institutions. An important contribution to the event was also the experience of experts from Sandia National Laboratories and the expert view on the need to balance the openness of science and security measures, which was emphasized by Nicholas Blelloch, PhD.
For TIP-UPJŠ, as well as for the wider academic environment, this is a strategic topic. Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, which actively connects research with industrial partners and foreign institutions, faces growing demands not only for scientific quality, but also for effective partnership management. Access to data, ownership of research results and their subsequent use are becoming key issues.
One of the most important aspects of research security is the issue of so-called dual-use research. The results of scientific activity can have not only civilian, but also security-sensitive or military uses. Even research that appears harmless at first glance can be transformed into a dual-use application in certain contexts, which researchers are often unaware of. This issue was also pointed out by Matej Šimalčík – Executive Director of the independent think-tank Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), who presented extensive data on the risks of cooperation with China.
Dual-use research is closely related to the issue of conflict of interest and potential indirect influence on researchers. Funding, grant schemes, consultancy contracts or access to research infrastructure can, in the event of insufficient transparency, lead to situations where scientific decisions are influenced in a way that is not in line with the interests of the university or academic integrity.
Open science is based on trust. However, trust is not created by ignoring risks, but by actively managing them. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce simple, effective and practically applicable mechanisms that will enable secure international cooperation without excessive administrative burden.
In this context, TIP-UPJŠ is preparing the implementation of an internal framework called TIP Research Security Light Protocol. This tool will focus on managing partnerships, identifying dual-use risks, controlling conflicts of interest and protecting research in projects with increased sensitivity. Its goal is to preserve the openness of the academic environment while strengthening its ability to protect research results, data, and the reputation of the institution.
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