Organisation, Security
Knowledge Security: Transition to University Policy Framework from 1 October
From 1 October 2025, the Faculty will operate under the University Knowledge Security Policy Framework. This brings an end to the temporary faculty procedure that has been in place since October 2023. The University policy aligns with the broader societal and geopolitical context and follows the principle: ‘open what we can, protect what we must’.
Knowledge security is designed to enable responsible international collaboration. The policy helps us prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology, foreign influence, and ethical dilemmas, while also safeguarding academic freedom and the social safety of staff and students.
What changes from 1 October?
Until now, FWN has used its own temporary procedure. The transition mainly changes the way we work. We will start using digital forms and an automated workflow, making the completion and assessment of evaluations simpler and faster. Cases will also be submitted to the University Knowledge Security Committee, which means our faculty committee will be discontinued.
From 1 October, you can find information on what falls under the policy—and what does not—on the faculty SharePoint, which has a dedicated knowledge security section.
Information sessions
On 4 September, Rector Magnificus Hester Bijl and Dean Jasper Knoester explained the transition to the University policy during an information session for FWN staff. In September and October, training sessions will be held per institute, where faculty specialists will guide staff through the new procedure.
An overview of the training schedule and the new tools will be available from 1 October via the faculty intranet. Faculty staff will receive a separate email with further details.
Questions?
Please contact your scientific director or email cks@science.leidenuniv.nl