Dialogue Forum: Security Research and Civil Clauses

The security policy Zeitenwende (turning point) also presents new challenges for science and research. In addition to questions of research security, the geopolitical shifts call for renewed reflection on the contribution that universities can and should make to defense and security. Underlying this is the question of how universities’ commitment to peace can be reconciled with the changing security policy requirements. How can and should security-relevant research be conducted at universities in the future? And what about the future of Civil Clauses: must they be redefined in light of the altered geopolitical situation? 

These questions are at the center of the project “Dialogue Forum: Security Research and Civil Clauses.” The Dialogue Forum envisions a multi-stage, inclusive dialogue process involving the university leadership in Hesse, the Hessian academic public, and policymakers, focusing on the handling of issues related to security-relevant research, research security, and Civil Clauses. The aim is to collect the diverse perspectives of universities in Hesse and, where possible, to develop a shared understanding of the potentials and challenges of security-relevant research, as well as the future of Civil Clauses in Hesse.

The dialogue forum features multiple formats, with a special focus on the university-wide conference “Security, Science, and Responsibility – Research in Times of Conflict and Crisis”, taking place on December 8, 2025, at the darmstadtium in Darmstadt. All status groups of Hessian universities are invited to jointly explore and discuss the societal role and responsibility of science and research in a changing security landscape. More information is available on the event website.

PRIF is responsible for the organizational planning and implementation of the Dialogue Forum, provides neutral substantive guidance throughout the process, and ensures the documentation of the results.

Picture: Ginger