The recommendations ‘do not introduce new obligations, but support institutions in understanding and implementing relevant existing responsibilities in a proportionate manner’.

Ireland’s research ecosystem will be subject to new national guidelines on research security to safeguard the sector against intellectual property theft and misuse, foreign interference, and emerging security threats.

‘Research Security Guidelines for Ireland’, created by the Irish Government and published today (7 September), is aiming for alignment with international best practice while protecting innovation and strengthening global research partnerships.

The guidelines outline Ireland’s national approach to research security, and how the risks associated with international research and innovation collaboration are identified, assessed and managed in a proportionate and context-sensitive manner, according to the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The framework is intended as enabling guidance – rather than a regulatory or enforcement document – for Ireland’s research performing organisation (RPOs), funders of research and other stakeholders in the country’s research ecosystem.

The guidelines “do not introduce new obligations, but support institutions in understanding and implementing relevant existing responsibilities in a proportionate manner”, according to the document, and are based on key principles of: risk management rather than risk avoidance; proportionate responses based on institutional autonomy; clarity of roles and responsibilities; and avoidance of bureaucratic complexity that stifles innovation.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless, TD said: “Ireland’s research system is among the most internationally connected in the world. That openness is one of our greatest strengths but it must be matched by an ability to identify and manage emerging security risks.

“These guidelines represent a significant step forward in ensuring that Ireland remains both open and secure as a global leader in research and innovation.

“This is about protecting valuable knowledge, supporting our researchers and making sure our research system remains open and trusted.

“Many institutions are already doing good work in this area. What these guidelines do is provide a common framework so that research organisations across the country can build on that experience and take a consistent approach.”

The guidelines are the product of collaboration between Government departments, research funders and RPOs, and originate from a May 2024 EU recommendation that member states develop national research frameworks with clear roles and responsibilities.

RPOs retain autonomy and decision-making on how to implement the new guidelines, according to the Government, which said it will act as a coordinator and support mechanism during the implementation phase of the initiative that is now underway.

The guidelines are available to the public on the Government’s website.

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