Speaking at the event Linda, 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. 

Linda was joined on the panel, 'Open Science in a Multipolar World: the Future of Openness in Europe and Beyond' by Mona Nemer, Chief Science Adviser to the Government of Canada; Joanna Drake, Deputy Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission; and Kumsal Bayazit, CEO of Elsevier. It was moderated by Robert-Jan Smits, President of Neth-ER and former Director-General for Research and Innovation at the European Commission.

Linda went on to highlight 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. 

Close-up of Linda speaking on stage at the Hamburg Science Summit. She is speaking into a mic and gesturing towards the panelist to her right, who is mostly out of frame. The panel MC is visible, seated to her left.

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. 

Across the Hamburg Science Summit, speakers repeatedly returned to the idea that sovereignty, resilience and security are strengthened not through isolation, but through diversified partnerships, international collaboration and trusted relationships built on shared values.

Photo credit: Körber-Stiftung/David Ausserhofer