On the 26th of May 2025, the European Network of Research Integrity Offices (ENRIO) issued a statement on ‘Research Integrity as a Safeguard for the Freedom of Scientific Research in Responsible International Collaborations’. Acknowledging the freedom of scientific research as a universal right, the statement highlights the importance of both the principles of research integrity as well as good research practices in safeguarding the freedom of scientific research. Noting how research performing organizations and researchers alike are facing increasing pressure vis-à-vis freedom of scientific research and research integrity, the statement highlights ways in which such pressures often manifest and call on research performing organizations to undertake several steps particularly to minimize risks in relation to international collaboration. In particular, the statement calls on organizations to
- Evaluate their (in)dependence from national governments and funding sources and examine their resilience to future threats.
- Support researchers in assessing potential collaborations by evaluating the political context of the country, the academic environment of the partner institution, and potential threats to research integrity and the freedom of scientific research.
- Develop clear, transparent policies and procedures for risk assessments and provide guidance in complex cases.
- Clearly define the scope of joint work with countries where there are known threats to scientific freedom or other fundamental standards.
- Establish, in advance, the criteria that would trigger the termination of a collaboration and ensure support for researchers is provided in such cases.
The full statement is available here.
