Science thrives on openness, international cooperation and the free exchange of knowledge and/or findings. At the same time, the increasing globalisation and digitalisation of research – also against the backdrop of current (global) political developments – requires enhanced measures to protect sensitive research findings and knowledge from unauthorised access.
The so-called network of contact points (for research and knowledge security) at Austrian universities and research institutions was established in 2024 on the initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (BMBWF) (now the Federal Ministry for Women, Science and Research (BMFWF)) in order to systematically address these dynamic challenges and strike a balance between scientific freedom and innovation on the one hand and necessary protective mechanisms on the other. The guiding principle enshrined at EU level applies here: ‘As open as possible, as closed off as necessary’.
Challenges and risks
In recent years, the risk of research results and associated knowledge being stolen and used for malicious purposes has increased significantly. Experts and security agencies are observing increasing interference by foreign actors who specifically use academic findings for strategic, economic, political or military purposes.
The role of universities and research institutions
Universities and research institutions in Austria take their responsibility in the area of research and knowledge security seriously. However, this does not mean restricting international cooperation, but rather making conscious, risk-based assessments and establishing targeted protective measures and risk-minimising processes within the respective institutions. Specifically, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences – in line with the strategic approach of the BMFWF – has opted for a so-called ‘country-agnostic approach’.
Research and knowledge security as a task for society as a whole
Protecting scientific integrity, research findings and academic knowledge is not only a challenge for individual universities, but also a task for liberal democracies as a whole. In this context, Salzburg University of Applied Sciences is actively working to raise awareness and implement appropriate protective measures. Accordingly, the creation of the Contact Point for Research & Knowledge Security at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences is an important step in meeting the growing challenges in the field of research and knowledge security. The aim is to create an environment that promotes both scientific excellence and the responsible use of research results and academic knowledge. Scientific freedom and security must go hand in hand in order to continue to enable and guarantee sustainable, trustworthy and internationally competitive work in the future.
The contact points for research and knowledge security at Salzburg University of Applied Sciences are available to assist in case of urgent incidents and general questions. Further information on research and knowledge security for employees can be found on the intranet (myFHS): https://myfhs.fh-salzburg.ac.at/x/vQG-DQ
Contact Point for Research and Knowledge Security
Research & Knowledge Security Officer
Research and Transfer Service
| Location: | Campus Urstein |
|---|---|
| Room: | Wissenspark Techno-Z, 1. OG, Stiege 15/1 01.114 |
| T: | +43-50-2211-1055 |
| E: | michael.leitner@fh-salzburg.ac.at |
| W: | https://pure.fh-salzburg.ac.at/en/persons/michael-leitner |
Management
| Location: | Campus Urstein |
|---|---|
| Room: | Urstein - 173 |
| T: | +43-50-2211-1050 |
| E: | doris.walter@fh-salzburg.ac.at |