Speaking on the panel Open Science in a Multipolar World: the Future of Openness in Europe and Beyond at the Hamburg Science Summit, Trinity’s Provost Dr Linda Doyle expressed the view that while research security is an increasingly important consideration, this does not mean that open science should be abandoned. 

She emphasised that open science encompasses much more than access to research journals, it is about the protection of academic freedom, about FAIR data principles, the inclusion of diverse voices in the peer-review process, and the ability of researchers to collaborate across borders. 

She highlighted the value of European research collaboration, arguing that programmes such as Horizon Europe deliver more than scientific outputs; they foster trust, mutual understanding and long-term partnerships between countries. She said these relationships are an important source of stability in an increasingly fragmented world. 

The discussion also reflects themes at the heart of Trinity’s programme during Ireland’s EU Presidency: the importance of research collaboration across borders, the role of universities in addressing shared European challenges, and the value of the relationships and trust that research can build.  

While optimistic about the ability of the global research community to navigate these challenges, she cautioned against complacency, warning that academic freedom cannot be taken for granted and that short-term political priorities should not undermine long-term commitments to openness and collaboration.