Universiteit Leiden

nl en

‘Geopolitical tensions call for extra vigilance when sharing knowledge’

International collaboration is essential to research and teaching but it also brings risks. Such as sharing sensitive knowledge and technology or foreign interference in research. Rector Hester Bijl explains what staff can do to prevent this.

What exactly do we mean by knowledge security in international collaboration?

‘For me, it means first and foremost ensuring you do not share sensitive knowledge and technology. As a university, we develop lots of knowledge that can be used for good. But information can fall into the wrong hands. For example, technology that can be used by civilians and the military and poses a risk to our national security. That could mean research on semiconductors for making high-quality chips, quantum physics or AI applications in surveillance equipment. So we have to carefully consider whether research collaboration could lead to unwanted outcomes in countries where fundamental rights are not respected, or whether the potential partner contributes to serious human rights violations.’

Is the risk mainly in STEM programmes?

‘No, definitely not. Researchers in the humanities and social sciences, for example, possess lots of expertise about certain countries. Then staff might be pressured by foreign actors not to publish about sensitive topics. Another example of knowledge security is preventing covert efforts to influence research and teaching. With such efforts, there is a risk of censorship or self-censorship among students and staff, and that could undermine our academic freedom and academic integrity.’

‘Our new policy takes the approach: open what we can, protect what we must’

Why is the university introducing a new knowledge security policy?

‘This is due to the heightened geopolitical tensions – take the war in Ukraine. And here in the Netherlands, we have also seen increased sabotage, espionage and influence by state actors. The Dutch government has warned of attempts by countries such as China, Russia and Iran to gain knowledge and technology from our universities and research organisations. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has asked universities to devote their attention to knowledge security and making sure that information does not fall into the wrong hands, and we think this is important too. Research should not be used against people.

‘This extra vigilance will, of course, also cause dilemmas and tension. As a university, it is in our nature to want to share knowledge and collaborate internationally. That is why our new policy takes the approach: open what we can, protect what we must.’

What exactly is changing?

‘The new policy will apply from 1 March this year. One important change is collaboration initiators and the scientific director of their institute will have to carefully consider the opportunities, interests and risks. You can read more about this on the knowledge security website, which has various useful tools that can help. There is a flowchart to help you consider whether collaboration is advisable and permissible. Each faculty has a knowledge security contact person who can provide expert and procedural support to the initiators and scientific directors. We will also provide training, information and support to raise staff awareness.

‘From 1 March the university will have a Knowledge Security Committee. If you are unsure about a partnership, you can submit the matter to the committee and they will assess the opportunities and risks and issue a binding verdict. You can do so via the Knowledge Security Help Desk The committee comprises professors with expertise in sensitive technologies, human rights and particular countries. The Faculty of Science has had a knowledge security committee since 2023. Its lessons and experiences will help inform the new policy and university committee.’

When assessing a collaboration, the country in which the partner is situated can be a risk factor that needs consideration. How do we avoid stigmatisation?

‘There are a few guiding principles, one of which is that we do not stigmatise or discriminate. I really want to emphasise that. Various risk factors should be considered, such as links with an organisation or institution on the EU sanction list and whether sensitive information or technology is involved.’

Are there other situations where staff should be extra vigilant?

‘Definitely and it also depends on your role. If you are working on sensitive research, do not take portable data storage devices such as USB sticks to risky countries if the data is not protected. Also consider how widely available the research data in your project will be and discuss this with colleagues and your manager. Other possible situations are visits to the university by foreign delegations and visits abroad by delegations from our university. Or attendance at conferences and lectures organised by institutions outside the EU. Also consider these activities carefully and use the flowchart.

‘Managers should consider the safety of researchers in their teams, be they from home or abroad. As an employer, we have a duty of care. This applies to both new staff and ones already working here. With sensitive research, for example, ask about the grant terms and conditions. A researcher may have good intentions but may be dependent in some way on the grant provider and open to pressure from foreign actors to share information and technology.’

How does the new knowledge security process relate to developments concerning fossil fuel industry collaborations and collaborations where ethical and moral aspects play a role?

‘We do not want completely different processes to develop in these areas so are working on an umbrella committee for sensitive collaborations. The aim is to create a one-stop shop that staff can contact with questions and collaborations they wish to inform the university about. There is some common ground, after all, and ethical issues play an important role in knowledge security. International collaboration remains essential to our research and teaching and this new policy will help us exercise diligence in such collaboration.’ 

Who can help with questions about knowledge security?

You can contact your faculty's knowledge security contact person with any questions. They will help consider the risks and opportunities of international collaborations. If you cannot reach a conclusion together, submit your question to the Knowledge Security Help Desk. The knowledge security in international collaboration has more information along with tips and tools such as a knowledge security e-learning and a flowchart to help assess a possible collaboration.

This website uses cookies.  More information.