Screening for researchers wising to handle sensitive knowledge
Researchers and Master’s students who want to work on or with sensitive knowledge in the Netherlands will soon be required to undergo government screening, as outlined in the new Knowledge Security Screening Bill, which will be made available online for public consultation today. The bill was announced in the government programme.
The bill has been submitted by Minister of Education, Culture and Science Eppo Bruins, jointly on behalf of Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel, and in accordance with Minister of Economic Affairs Dirk Beljaarts.
Bruins: “Knowledge is power, and safeguarding our knowledge is therefore essential. By conducting screening of individuals who seek access to knowledge that is critical for our country, we prevent the unwanted transfer of our knowledge assets. I intend to undertake this carefully, in collaboration with knowledge institutions. This approach is designed to enable us to advance our security efforts while preserving the openness and international scope of our science. That is crucial.”
Targeted screening to preserve openness of science
The new bill identifies the knowledge and technology areas where the risks to our national security are greatest. They include AI, nuclear, quantum, biotechnology, microchips, as well as other technology with potential military applications. The law requires research universities, universities of applied sciences and other research institutes, such as TNO, to examine their operations and activities to pinpoint areas where research takes place with sensitive knowledge or technology. This involves a customised approach, which recognises that differences occur between the usage of such technologies between institutions. While many knowledge institutions may not engage with such technology, others may use it in specific projects or labs. In future, knowledge institutions will determine this themselves, eliminating unnecessary screening. It is essential to maintain ample space for international collaboration between researchers.
When the law comes commences, any new researcher or Master’s student, regardless of their background, who wishes to work in environments with sensitive knowledge or technology will need to undergo screening. This screening is a form of tailored risk evaluation. The government has asked screening authority Justis to conduct the screenings. To facilitate this, Justis is performing an implementation test to determine the feasibility and requirements for the new screening process. Ensuring the law can be effectively enforced is a priority for the government. Initial estimates suggest approximately eight thousand screenings will be conducted per year.
Screening is necessary
In recent years, universities and knowledge institutions have implemented numerous measures to safeguard their knowledge. For example, they are more cautious about certain international collaborations and have increased their security measures. Increased security awareness amongst scientific researchers helps on a daily basis in curbing the unwanted transfer of critical knowledge assets from the Netherlands. However, scientific researchers cannot do this on their own. Following the example of neighbouring countries and others worldwide, the Netherlands is now taking the next step: screening researchers. This measure is necessary. Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel is one of the ministers submitting the bill.
Van Weel: “Foreign powers are intensifying their efforts to acquire Dutch knowledge and technology. Their aim is to utilise our technological expertise to enhance their weaponry, or use it as a strategic means of power. They seek to achieve this by sending researchers and students here or by pressuring them to share information. Therefore, it is essential that we carefully scrutinise who is granted access to the most sensitive knowledge and technology here in the Netherlands. By doing so, we enhance the resilience of our knowledge institutions against external threats, which is crucial in these turbulent times.“
Law to come into force as soon as possible
The bill is available online for public consultation as of today. This gives everyone the opportunity to voice their opinion, including those who will be involved in the screening process. This input will facilitate further improvement of the bill. Following this, the law will be submitted to the Council of State for advice and then to parliament for debate. The objective is for the law to commence as soon as possible, with mid-2027 as the target, assuming it can be enforced.
Originally published at https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2025/04/07/screening-for-researchers-wising-to-handle-sensitive-knowledge
