Considering research security is part of responsible research funding

The Research Council of Finland (RCF) funds responsible research. For research funders, research security means being prepared and identifying potential risks. It is not about restricting open science or scientific freedom, but about safeguarding them.

International cooperation is essential for Finnish research. Collaboration with researchers from different countries brings new perspectives and research themes and reinforces the quality of science. The RCF’s funding opportunities are designed to facilitate various forms of international cooperation. At the same time, changes in the global environment are bringing new risks to the fore, particularly as regards research security. The key issues in this context are the misuse of information and how we protect critical expertise and data.

In spring 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted a recommendation related to the promotion of responsible international research cooperation. The recommendation calls on EU member states and research organisations to balance the principles of open science with national security interests. As a funding agency, we see a need for clear rules and proactive preparedness, without unnecessarily restricting opportunities for innovation and international cooperation.

Why are we talking about research security now?

Global security policy, the strategic importance of technology and concerns about sensitive information falling into the hands of parties whose interests do not align with open science or peaceful applications have made research security a topical issue. Responsibility for research security does not lie solely with researchers or research organisations – it is shared across a broader ecosystem that also includes funders. The amendment to the Act on the Research Council of Finland, which will enter into force on 1 July 2025, obliges us to continue this practice at the legislative level as well.

Identifying and managing risks play key role in responsible research funding

As a funding agency, the RCF is committed to the constitutional rights of universities to self-governance and academic freedom. We do not want to restrict research or increase the administrative burden. Instead, we want to:

• increase awareness: We provide applicants and host organisations with guidelines on what research security means.
• identify risks in a timely manner: We do not require complete risk assessments from every applicant, but we do expect that potential risks (e.g. dual-use technologies, threats to scientific freedom, data management) are identified and taken into account.
• support responsible international cooperation: We emphasise the importance of openness, trust and fair cooperation – but responsibly. As a funder, we can support international collaborations that take ethical and security considerations into account.

What this means in practical terms:

• In future, we request that applications include an appendix on research security, that is, a risk assessment and, if necessary, a risk management plan.
• Research security will be taken into account in the processing of applications, in the funding terms and conditions and in our own international cooperation.
• We will cooperate with national and international authorities and research organisations to develop common practices.

Ensuring scientific freedom endures

The freedom of science, the arts and higher education is guaranteed by section 16 of the Constitution of Finland. At the RCF, we do not restrict research topics or create barriers; instead, we support safer, more sustainable and more responsible research.

All research topics remain permitted. Internationality is not a risk in itself, but requires awareness of the operating environment. A responsible researcher balances freedom, responsibility and risk management. Research security also means defending academic freedom from political influence.

Enhancing research security is not about alarmism, but about being prepared. As in research ethics, it is essential in security considerations that researchers identify potential risks and act responsibly with them. As a research funder, we want to promote a way of thinking that fosters risk-aware and responsible international cooperation.