Measures to minimise risks in international research collaborations
Risk associated with research and innovation includes theft, interference and transfer of knowledge and technology in ways that researchers and research teams do not intend. Information leakage can result in misuse of knowledge, loss of research data, reduced trust in research findings and limited opportunities for further collaboration.
Three recommended measures to ensure research security
1. Conduct a risk assessment as part of the planning and project initiation phase
Perform a risk assesment before initiating research projects. If there is a considerable risk of unwanted events or effects, you can consider taking further measures.
For new partners, a background check should be conducted to determine if the institution you are considering cooperating with observes academic freedom, has sound finances, is free from political and military affiliations, and so forth.
More on recommended evaluations at the onset of international cooperations
2. Use UiO's resources for information security
UiO has developed various types of tools that you can use to securely store and share information in compliance with laws and regulations.
Assess whether you'll share information that requires protection, and, if so, determine the necessary level of protection and find the appropriate tools for storing and sharing data.
Resource page for information security at UiO
3. Maintain good access control – both during and at the end of projects
As another means of ensuring research security, make sure you maintain control of access to laboratories, equipment, research data, etc. An access review should be part of the routine when receiving guest researchers and temporary participants on a project.
When the project ends, there should be a proper termination of access and affiliation for all temporary project participants.
Fundamental principles for research security considerations
The following principles should guide all considerations pertaining to research security.
- Safeguard academic freedom, the researcher's right to choose topics and collaborators and to publish freely.
- Policies should be risk-based and proportionate.
- Avoid discrimination and stigmatisation.
Export control
A small portion of research at UiO is subject to export control, primarily certain disciplines at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Faculty of Dentistry.
See UiO's resource page on export control for more information
Other useful resources
Research integrity in international research cooperation Research data management in international research cooperation