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Research security is increasingly vital in the global changing geopolitical climate.

Research Funding Organisations (RFO) and Research Performing Organisations (RPO) are tasked with defining and identifying high-risk or improper research relationships.

Research security means anticipating and managing risks of knowledge or technology misuse, foreign interference, or ethical violations that threaten national security. However, current workflows rely heavily on siloed data systems and manual reviews, providing an incomplete picture of organisational and national risks.

A central challenge is to balance these critical security concerns against the social and economic benefits of participating in open international scientific collaboration. This think tank will explore how RFOs and RPOs can implement effective safeguards without creating a "chilling effect" that stifles innovation.

Join a group of senior leaders to discuss ideas, challenges, and real life solutions.

Discussion

Topics

The Current Landscape: How do you define the primary research security risks your organisation faces today? Specifically, managing risks like foreign interference, problematic knowledge transfers, and complex challenges posed by research with dual-use applications?

Practical Challenges & Best Practices: What are the biggest operational hurdles you face – such as data silos, uncovering hidden affiliations, and resource constraints? And what successful strategies or "best practices" have you implemented to overcome them?

The Path Forward (The Balance): Looking ahead, what solutions (whether policy, technology, or cultural) do you see for mitigating risk without creating undue administrative burdens or chilling the open, international collaboration that drives innovation?

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

Marko Zovko

Global Business Development Director Government, Funder and Nonprofit at Digital Science

Marko Zovko is a research and innovation professional with over a decade of experience working alongside government, funding, and academic organisations worldwide. His work focuses on providing innovative technology solutions, data, and expertise that advance the research lifecycle, making processes more efficient, data more impactful, and collaboration more seamless. Marko advises ministries and government agencies on research policies and national priorities, supports funding organisations in portfolio analysis and data-driven investment decisions, and helps research-intensive institutions identify networks and address research security risks

ABOUT

Digital Science

Digital Science is a trusted partner providing research workflow solutions, and data and analytical insights for the research community. We believe in the power of research to shape the future, solve global challenges, and drive innovation that benefits everyone. From tracking research impact to supporting open research and data sharing, mapping the research landscape, enabling collaboration, and providing deep insights, analysis, and discovery, Digital Science has grown into a powerhouse of innovation, supporting every corner of the research ecosystem. Today, one of our strongest areas of growth is industry, as we leverage our technology and the power of AI to help enterprises work smarter, collaborate better, and push the boundaries of discovery.