3.2 Creating a research security culture: academic awareness and behaviour change

Drawing on findings from a survey of 450 UK academics, this session examines how universities can foster a robust research security culture. In particular, it explores approaches to communicating research security risks, supporting researchers in managing those risks, and developing effective institutional services and guidance. The session will address three core questions:
• How aware are academics of research security issues, and what strategies can enhance that awareness?
• What forms of support do academics seek, and which actors or institutions do they expect to provide it?
• In what ways - if any - are research security considerations shaping academic behaviour, decision making, and perceptions of risk?
By engaging with these questions, the session aims to identify practical steps universities can take to strengthen research security while sustaining an open and internationally collaborative research environment.