Workshop on Research Security
Trends and Prospects for Austria and Europe
Mar 16, 2026 / Vienna / Austrian Foreign, Security, Defence Policy / European Security and Defence
On 16 March, the AIES, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Defence (Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung, BMLV), organised a workshop on research security. The aim of the event was to analyse the current status quo, identify key challenges and discuss approaches to better operationalise research security.
The focus was on the growing strategic importance of research security, as well as the increasing complexity resulting from technological developments and hybrid threat scenarios. Particular emphasis was placed on the growing blurring of lines in the dual-use sector, where a clear distinction between civilian and military research is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.
The discussions also highlighted the tension between scientific openness and the protection of sensitive technologies. International cooperation remains essential, but at the same time requires strengthened mechanisms for risk assessment and risk mitigation.
Another key focus was on the question of how research security can be measured in concrete terms and embedded within institutions. This revealed a clear need for uniform models, indicators and governance structures to systematically identify risks and enable informed decision-making.
The findings underscore the fact that research security must increasingly be viewed as an operational priority requiring integrated collaboration between government, academia and industry. Only through stronger institutional embedding, clear responsibilities and sufficient resources can research security be effectively implemented in the long term.
