What Does the CISPA Case Tell Us About Research Security and Cooperation with China? An Interview with Dr. Alicia Hennig

Introduction

In this expert interview conducted by Melita Phachulia, Executive Assistant at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP), Dr. Alicia Hennig, Associated Senior Research Fellow at ISDP, examines what the Helmholtz Center for Information Security (CISPA) case reveals about the changing landscape of research security and international scientific cooperation. European institutions face the challenge of preserving openness and collaboration while protecting sensitive knowledge and technologies.

The debate has become particularly prominent regarding cooperation with China. While international research partnerships have contributed significantly to scientific progress, concerns have grown over issues such as technology transfer, state influence within academic institutions, and the strategic use of research cooperation.

The CISPA case has become an important example in this wider discussion. It has raised questions about whether European research institutions are sufficiently prepared to identify and manage risks, and how they can adapt traditional approaches to international collaboration in a changing security environment.

In this interview, Dr. Alicia Hennig discusses what the CISPA case tells us about current patterns of research cooperation with China, how China’s higher education system has evolved under Xi Jinping, and what steps Europe should take to strengthen research security while preserving meaningful scientific exchange.