Research Security and Counter Foreign Interference Guidelines
Knowledge Security or Countering foreign interference at Charles University focuses on protecting the academic environment from unwanted influences that could threaten academic freedom, independence and integrity of the university. The aim is to strengthen institutional resilience to attempts of covert, manipulative or coercive influence, especially by foreign entities or other actors seeking to disrupt decision-making processes, research and teaching.
The main areas of action of the knowledge security are:
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Protection of the academic environment from unwanted influences, including the prevention of attempts to manipulate teaching, research and decision-making processes in order to promote foreign interests.
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Risk management and due diligence when cooperating with external entities, including evaluating potential partners, funding and other forms of academic cooperation, with a focus on security.
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Preventing the spread of propaganda and misinformation by identifying and eliminating attempts to influence academic discourse through false or misleading information.
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Protection against academic espionage and unauthorised transfer of technology and knowledge: strengthening mechanisms to protect sensitive research topics, intellectual property, and strategically important technologies.
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Compliance with international sanctions regimes and control measures: ensuring that academic and research activities comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
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Strengthening knowledge security and awareness by educating staff and students on safe academic collaboration and protecting the university environment.
Guidelines
The knowledge security framework at Charles University is based on Rector's Directive No. 43/2021. All faculties and selected units of Charles University affected by the knowledge security agenda have their own counter foreign interference coordinator.
Charles University is actively involved in developing policies and methodologies that protect the academic environment. It cooperates with other universities, as well as national and international institutions and security forces. As part of these activities, the university has been involved in developing and implementing the Counter Foreign Interference Manual and other methodologies that provide specific recommendations for academia.
Counter Foreign Interference Manual for the Czech Academic Sector
Contacts
Ing. Valérie Hůrská
Institutional Resilience and Counter Foreign Interference Manager
e-mail: valerie.hurska@ruk.cuni.cz
Learn more about other areas of safety at Charles University:
Security and Occupational Safety Department of CU Rectorate.