Research thrives on open exchange, international cooperation, and the desire to pursue knowledge. This freedom is constitutionally protected in Germany and serves as the basis for scientific innovation. However, what is known as “dual-use research” – or research that can potentially be used for both civil and military applications – requires a certain degree of responsibility. This is because scientific findings can be misused under particular circumstances, including for purposes that could potentially jeopardize security. The joint Committee for Ethics in Security-Relevant Research (KEF) was set up between Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin to provide researchers with practical support in maneuvering through these difficult situations. KEF advises scientists involved in projects that may entail security risks, whether that is because of the technologies resulting from these projects or due to cooperation with international partners, such as research institutions in countries like Iran or North Korea that are subject to specific export control and security-related regulations. Some guiding questions have been established to identify risks early on and encourage researchers to reflect on both ethical and legal questions without limiting academic freedom. KEF provides support that is unbiased, confidential, and solution-oriented with the goal of promoting responsible research.

Export control is another important aspect that warrants closer attention. For example, not only physical goods, but also knowledge can be subject to export control, especially when it comes to sharing sensitive research results abroad. While somewhat neglected in academic practice in the past, the issue is becoming increasingly relevant. At Freie Universität Berlin the Export Control Coordination Unit provides consultations for researchers regarding questions about export control and license requirements, joint projects, or sending materials by mail. The goal is not to impede research, but to ensure that scientists are able to confidently pursue their work while also upholding the law. It also means being able to identify risks at the earliest possible stage and find feasible solutions together so that responsibly conducted science may flourish.

Researchers at Freie Universität Berlin who have ethical questions can reach out to kef@fu-berlin.de, while those with queries concerning export regulations can get in touch via exportkontrolle@zuv.fu-berlin.de.