Balancing Safeguarding and Openness in Research: Research Security, Open Science, and Academic Freedom in a Changing World
Panel discussion Balancing Safeguarding and Openness in Research: Research Security, Open Science, and Academic Freedom in a Changing World will be organised as part of the EC2U Forum programme. The discussion will take place in Medisiina D, Lauren2, Turku, Finland, on 21.5.2026 at 11.30-13.00.
Join us for a panel discussion exploring the evolving landscape of research security, open science, and academic freedom. This session brings together experts to examine how universities can safeguard the integrity of research while upholding the core academic values of openness, collaboration, and intellectual independence. Participants will gain insights into emerging global challenges and responsible research practices.
Participation is possible on-site or online. The event will be held in English.
Please register to the event here.
Iro Särkkä is a Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA), specialising in Finnish, Nordic, and Northern European foreign, security, and defence policy. Her research focuses on NATO, European security, and political behaviour, with extensive expertise in the strategic consequences of security policy change. She actively contributes to public and policy-oriented debate on security and international affairs, bringing strong analytical insight into contemporary security challenges.
Markus Laitinen is Head of Development at the University of Helsinki, where he works on research policy, international cooperation, and risk management. His expertise includes research security, responsible internationalisation, and institutional preparedness for emerging security and compliance risks. In his role, he supports universities and researchers in balancing openness, international collaboration, and security in a changing global research environment
Reetta Kettunen has served as a researcher, managing editor at a non-fiction publishing house, and coordinator of research programs. She is the long-standing Secretary General of the Finnish Committee for Public Information, an expert body under the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Committee promotes the societal use of reliable research, supports freedom of speech and expression, and fosters public trust and engagement in science and research.
Marie-Pier Larose is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Turku’s INVEST Research Flagship Centre and the Turku Institute for Advanced Studies. Her work combines developmental psychiatry, behavioural genetics, and public health to examine how genetic predispositions and social environments influence children’s well-being, learning, and life‑course outcomes. Through her research, she contributes evidence-based perspectives relevant to understanding societal inequalities, interventions, and the responsible use of sensitive data in research.
Moderator:
Matti Anttonen is a Professor of Practice at the University of Turku, affiliated with the Pan-European Institute at Turku School of Economics. He has a long career as a Finnish diplomat, having served in senior positions at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and as Finland’s ambassador to several countries. In his current role, he brings extensive practical experience in international politics, diplomacy, and global economic relations to teaching and societal engagement.
For more information on the panel, please contact Laura Niemi (laura.niemi@utu.fi) or Outi Nurmela (outi.nurmela@utu.fi).
Date: Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 11:30-13:00
Location: The panel discussion will be organised at Lauren2 hall at the Medisiina D building, Kiinamyllynkatu 10 D, Turku, Finland.
Online participation: Zoom-link will be sent to registered remote participants before the event.