Hannah Brodersen’s (University of Bern, Research Management Office) presentation on “Research Data Management (RDM) and Knowledge Security” focused on the growing importance of knowledge security in the Swiss research landscape. Some worry that knowledge security would contradict Open Science, one of the main priorities for Swiss institutions of higher education.

In light of increasing geopolitical tensions, technological competition, and global interconnectedness, universities were described as key actors producing strategically relevant knowledge, which also exposes them to various risks. These include unwanted knowledge transfer, cyberattacks, foreign interference, and the potential misuse of research outcomes.

The concept of “Knowledge Security,” refers to strategies aimed at protecting sensitive data, preventing foreign interference, safeguarding scientific integrity, and ensuring responsible international collaboration. Within Open Science, specific risks were identified, such as regulatory non-compliance in data sharing, unauthorized access to research data, and the creation of strategic dependencies.

The “Knowledge Security Management Plan” was presented as a practical tool to identify, assess, and mitigate risks. It is primarily intended for researchers and should be integrated into existing processes such as Data Management Plans (DMPs) and institutional risk management frameworks.

The key takeaway of the session was that openness and security are not contradictory but complementary. The guiding principle “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” suggests a certain contradiction – you cannot have both, or at least, you need to compromise at one, to improve the other. However, the key message of the presentation was that when implemented effectively, Open Science can reduce risks and serve as an opportunity for more responsible and secure research practices.

The slides of the workshop can be downloaded on Zenodo.