Inviting and safeguarding visiting researchers
The same advice applies as for hiring and safeguarding employees, insofar as they are appropriate. The duration of the stay and the need for access to physical infrastructure such as laboratories, equipment, data and other personnel, are factors that should be considered before simplifying procedures.
Recently edited : 30. October 2023What should institutions bear in mind when recruiting visiting researchers and lecturers?
Visiting researchers are a source of vulnerability at Norwegian institutions because they are sometimes only subject to a very simple background check before arrival. Visiting researchers from countries with which Norway has no security policy cooperation can be particularly vulnerable and may be subjected to pressure. Regulation of access can make both the institution and the visiting researcher less vulnerable. This advice also applies to guest lecturers, as far as appropriate. For longer stays, institutional cooperation agreements can also be entered into where security is a topic. It is important that employees who invite visiting researchers familiarise themselves with the institution's policies and report worrying behaviour. If the subject area or topic in question is particularly technological in nature, relevant to export control or for other reasons is of interest to outsiders, greater emphasis should be placed on background checks and reducing vulnerability.
Proposed assessments and procedures for management and administration
- Consider the need for an overview of visiting researchers at the institution.
- Consider access regulation for visiting researchers with regard to physical (areas at the institution such as labs and evening/night access) and digital access.