29 September 2026 | 08:30–15:00
Lanzerac, Stellenbosch
Research is increasingly global, collaborative and interconnected — but that openness also brings new responsibilities and risks.
The 2026 DRD Research Indaba will focus on Research Security, exploring how researchers and institutions can navigate a rapidly changing international research environment while protecting research integrity, institutional interests and responsible research practices.
From international collaborations and funding relationships to geopolitical developments and reputational considerations, universities are facing increasingly complex decisions about who they partner with, how collaborations are structured and what risks may need to be considered.
The Indaba will examine:
- What research security means and why it matters for universities
- Emerging risks affecting international research collaborations
- Considerations around external funding sources and partnerships
- The role of geopolitical developments in research decision-making
- Institutional reputation, responsibility and research integrity
- How universities can balance openness and collaboration with appropriate risk management
A key feature of the programme will be the presentation of Stellenbosch University’s proposed Guidelines for Assessing Funding Sources, Partners and Collaborators — a principles-based framework designed to support responsible and informed decision-making when engaging with external funders, research partners and collaborators.
Through practical case studies, participants will explore how the proposed risk-assessment approach can be applied in real-world research scenarios, considering both potential risks and opportunities.
The goal is not to close the door to collaboration, but to strengthen the way research partnerships are assessed — supporting excellent, ethical, impactful and responsible research in an increasingly complex global environment.
Registration closes: 8 September 2026.
Audience: Academic staff
Event type: Workshop
Venue: Lanzerac, Stellenbosch
