WS4 Varying Approaches to Research Security

Workshop content and learning outcomes: 

This workshop will outline how different countries are planning and implementing research security frameworks. Research security programs are cropping up globally and yet the approaches to implementation have varied widely. Implementations on their own are complex and face many quagmires like the intersection with privacy requirements, constitutionality, and the continuing and imperative need for global cooperation and open science. Some countries have a government-forward approach creating offices designed to act as contact points and outreach to identified constituents. Other countries have taken a different approach, asking the research community to address concerns through co-creation strategies. These approaches are driven by the policies, laws, and cultures of the nations in which the efforts are nested. A country’s regulatory ecosystem has a unique impact on how policies, such as those promulgated for research security, are implemented.These approaches create differences in how academic institutions respond to the requirements through resources, staffing, and communications. Furthermore, the tools and frameworks identified may vary widely given these different approaches because of the conduits through which inputs are identified and tools developed. Workshop instructors will begin by providing an overview of research security requirements emerging around the globe. The vital importance of informed international collaboration will be framed, as well as some ideas of how academic institutions might learn from different programs around the globe, even as regulations differ. A majority of the workshop will be focused on case studies that address key areas of research security: legal gray zones, working with (or not) law enforcement and governmental officials, avoiding bias in investigations and vetting of partners, research integrity, and the intersection of integrity and cultural norms. Participants will be able to share practical tools and identify missing tools within the currently available resources. Participants will also discuss how to ensure faculty can continue to succeed globally in accordance with national requirements.

Learning Outcomes:

- Participants will learn about the global research security landscape and engage with colleagues to understand critical similarities and differences across country requirements

- Participants will grow with their colleagues through the sharing of valuable resources and approaches to managing research security

- Participants will develop an appreciation of the complexities inherent in developing and executing an effective research security program and some strategic ways to move their programs forward

Workshop facilitator:

Amanda Humphrey

Amanda Humphrey is the Chief Research Operations Officer for Northeastern University and the co-director of the SECURE Northeast Regional Center. Amanda oversees the research security, export compliance, and training programs, as well as contributing to compliance and operational objectives for the university. Externally, she contributes to various professional associations, including NCURA, FDP, and ARIO. Amanda has degrees from Smith College (art history), University College London (comparative literature), and recently completed an MBA at Northeastern.