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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

Juergen Wastl

Speaker 1

VP, Research Evaluation and Global Challenges, Digital Science at Digital Science

Digital Science

A molecular biologist and biochemist by training, Juergen Wastl has built a career at the intersection of research, data, and strategy across industry, government, funder and higher education. As part of Digital Science’s Thought Leadership team, he leads initiatives in research evaluation and global challenges by advising funders and policymakers on how to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape of science. His work connects evidence-based evaluation with global policy priorities, fostering resilience, integrity, and innovation in research ecosystems. Before joining Digital Science, Juergen led the Research Information team at the University of Cambridge’s Research Strategy Office, overseeing research evaluation, analytics, and implementation of scholarly infrastructure. He also brings extensive consultancy experience supporting governments, funding agencies, and non-profit organizations across Europe and beyond in developing data-driven strategies for responsible and secure research.

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT

Anthony Dona

Speaker 1

Vice President, APAC at Digital Science

Digital Science

Anthony Dona PhD is Vice President, APAC at Digital Science, bringing a unique dual background in academic medical research and an understanding of analytics and infrastructure to support the research ecosystem. Anthony currently directs government strategy for Digital Science across the Asia-Pacific region, specialising in research management infrastructure and large scale analytics to best inform research funding, research capability and 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.