We must prevent
- the undesirable drain of knowledge and technology to other countries,
- unlawful foreign interference in education and research,
- spying on staff as well as
- the misuse of civil research in our international cooperation for purposes pursued by certain countries (for example, military purposes, surveillance, violation of human rights) which we cannot support.
Guided by the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”, the BMBF has therefore prepared a Position Paper on Research Security.
Reflection and revision of the science community’s self-regulation instruments
Today cutting-edge research is inconceivable without international cooperation, which involves risks, however. Measures to strengthen research security must be commensurate with these risks. The aim is therefore to review the existing research security instruments, structures and procedures to see whether they still reflect national security interests. This includes an assessment of how they can be enhanced to guarantee effective, risk-appropriate and reasonable protection.
Strengthening of knowledge and awareness
Enhancing the science community’s sensitivity and self-regulation with regard to research security-relevant issues is another important aspect in strengthening German research security. A broader awareness and knowledge of the risks that research increasingly faces is to be created and established within the science system.
The BMBF will actively support the review and (further) development of the relevant guidelines and instruments by the science community. For example, the BMBF proposes a central research security information platform to support scientific staff and science institutions in risk management for security-critical technologies in international research collaborations. A European solution is up for discussion.
Critical consideration of the strict separation between civil and military research
In particular, there needs to be critical consideration of the sometimes strict separation between civil and military research in Germany. This has been highlighted by the Munich Security Conference 2024 as well as the Report 2024 of the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation.
The BMBF will work to ensure that relevant stakeholders engage in a reassessment of today’s strict separation.
Furthermore, the BMBF will work with funding providers to assess the suitability of funding incentives to increase cooperation between civil and military research in appropriate areas. The BMBF is not planning to support targeted military research.
The BMBF focuses on the following three dimensions to strengthen research security in Germany:
First dimension
In light of the Zeitenwende, existing research security instruments, structures and procedures must be reviewed to see whether they still reflect national security interests.
Second dimension
A broader awareness and knowledge of the risks and threats that research increasingly faces is to be created and established within the science system.
Third dimension
There needs to be critical consideration of the – sometimes – strict separation between civil and military research in Germany so that potential synergies can be leveraged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does research security mean?
Research security refers to measures that protect our research community from actors and behaviours that pose an economic, strategic, and/or national and international security risk.
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024