Abstract

In this session, we question whether it is still possible to secure an inclusive academic environment, notwithstanding nationality or ethnicity, while trying to protect our scientific resources from the dangers of industrial espionage promoted by “risk countries”.

In the last 5 years, several research organisations have experienced security incidents causing alarm among the institutional leadership, fellow academics, and the general population. Many of these –sometimes very serious– incidents directly involved recently recruited or visiting foreign researchers. Allegedly, these foreign citizens attempted or successfully acquired privileged information on behalf of their nations. In the worst cases, it is feared that acquired information might be used in ongoing warfare.

Simultaneously, European research organisations are, perhaps more than ever, actively and consciously encouraging international partnership and collaboration. Cases where a self-contained academic environment thrives are only anecdotal. A welcome byproduct of internationalization initiatives is the increasing interest of foreign researchers in our organizations. It is no longer the most prestigious universities receiving researchers from European countries, but every single research organisation is being approached by researchers from all corners of our heterogeneous planet. And, sometimes, those researchers come from countries suffering from political instability, weak infrastructure, limited academic freedom, and armed conflict.

How then can we reconcile our aspiration of attracting and collaborating with the most talented minds in the world, while at the same time we must act as guardians of valuable technology and secrets? Does the right hand know what the left one is doing?

I propose to start our discussion by clarifying important concepts and actors. What does it mean “risk countries” and who are the ones identifying them? What security concerns are the most prominent in academia? And which ones are being neglected? What inclusiveness mean and who are inclusiveness policies targeting? Which ethical dilemmas do we encounter when facing somehow contradicting policies? How to avoid discriminatory recruitment practices? How can we protect sensitive data effectively? How can funders help us to find an equilibrium? How to navigate complex regulatory hurdles including national security and export control?