Ground Research Security in Science, Not Speculation [Video]

This brief is part of “Election 2024: Policy Playbook,” a series by Rice University and the Baker Institute that offers critical context, analysis, and recommendations to inform policymaking in the United States and Texas.

• International collaboration is essential for advancing science and innovation, as well as for addressing global challenges.
• Geopolitics has impacted how governments view scientific exchange, introducing the notion of U.S. research security — the protection of research from misuse, theft, or exploitation.
• Changes to research security policy risk damaging long-standing research partnerships critical to American economic competitiveness and scientific leadership — especially partnerships between the United States and China.
• Current research security policies must undergo thorough evaluation using scientifically rigorous methodologies. The development and implementation of new policies must be driven by empirical evidence rather than suppositions.

International scientific collaboration is critical for addressing global challenges, from climate change and food and water security to public health and economic prosperity. The global scientific research system …