Research is based on openness, international collaboration and academic freedom, principles that must be balanced with the need to be cognisant and responsible for the research results produced, as well as the risks of any involuntary transfers of sensitive knowledge, external interference, and the misuse of technologies or results.
“Research security" means the ability to prevent and manage these risks, ensuring that knowledge, technologies and collaborations are handled responsibly, ethically and in compliance with legislation. Strengthening research security does not limit scientific freedom, but protects it, promoting open and secure international cooperation.
Coordinated initiatives are under way at European and national level, to provide tools and guidance that raise awareness and encourage proportionate risk management.
Within this framework, it is essential that the academic community has appropriate tools to assess and manage these aspects, maintaining an open and responsible approach consistent with the values that drive scientific activity.
Tools and measures for research security
To support researchers in managing issues related to dual use and research in sensitive contexts, the University has set up dedicated tools, designed to facilitate risk assessment and management without making the process unnecessarily complex.
Dual use and research security working group (DUSE)
The DUSE working group performs support, oversight and advisory functions on research security issues. In particular:
- provides clarification on interpreting dual use legislation and research security issues;
- develops guidelines, recommendations and operational tools;
- promotes initiatives to raise awareness and provide training;
- supports research groups in assessing compliance requirements, risks and the possible need for authorisations.
The group has also developed a self-assessment tool to support the preliminary analysis of projects and easily identify any risk profiles.
Contact: duse@unibo.it
Guidelines on research security
The guidelines provide operational recommendations, designed to guide researchers in assessing potential risks related to data, knowledge, technologies, collaborations and the use of results. The guidelines ensure research activity is conducted in an open, responsible and cognisant manner in contexts requiring special attention, such as dual use issues and defence-related activities; they also provide risk assessment tools and a clear framework regarding roles, responsibilities and legislative principles.
The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework on:
- dual use and export control;
- collaboration with entities in third countries;
- research activity in the defence sector;
Download the Guidelines on research security [.pdf 4582 KB] (in Italian)
Download the research safety self-assessment checklist [.pdf 261 KB] (in Italian)