Research and science are exposed to increasing risks in the complex and dynamic international situation, for example the leaking of knowledge and technology, illegal interference and the improper use of research results. Geopolitical developments are amplifying these risks. 

The BMFTR counteracts these developments in a holistic, whole-of-government approach to research security guided by the principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary”. The aim: to protect the highly-valued freedom of science – as enshrined in Germany’s Basic Law – and to protect international cooperation in science and research. At the same time, Germany’s and Europe’s economic and security interests are to be safeguarded.

Tiered responsibility in the science system

Strengthening research security is based on a system of tiered responsibility involving all levels and actors:

• Individual level:
  Researchers must come to grips with the security relevance and risks associated with their scientific work and take informed decisions.
• At the institutional/organizational and Länder level:
  Research institutions and organizations are to have and enhance suitable structures and processes ensuring research security, implement risk assessments and provide information and advisory services.
• Federal level:
  The Federal Government supports these efforts through the development of a holistic approach and the provision of resources.

National Platform for Research Security

A National Platform for Research Security is to be established at federal level to provide support to researchers. The Platform will function as a tool for coordination and integration, providing support in particular to research institutions and organizations in their efforts to appropriately analyse and assess the opportunities and risks of research activities and international collaborations. 

The platform’s key functions

• Coordination: alignment of actors from both government and research and the pooling of expertise following a holistic approach.
• Information: provision of information mainly regarding the risks associated with potential research activities or emerging collaborations considering the geopolitical context.
• Guidance: risk reduction support in the form of reliable, institution-specific protective measures.

In terms of organization, the National Platform will be affiliated with the BMFTR and is scheduled for launch in autumn 2026. Full operations are envisaged for early 2027.

What does research security mean?

Research and knowledge security is the anticipation and management of risks such as the unwanted leaking of knowledge and technology, illegal interference and the improper use of research results.