KIT Publishes Position Paper on Security-Related Research

Research for greater security and the resilience of democracy
KIT is committed to fundamental values such as democracy, freedom, and security. Magali Hauser, KIT
KIT is committed to making scientific contributions to strengthening internal and external security and, thereby, to the resilience of democracy

Against the backdrop of a changing global security landscape, KIT aims to strengthen the security and sovereignty of Germany and Europe through targeted research and innovation.

A position paper now published by the Executive Board sets out KIT’s commitment to making scientific contributions to strengthening internal and external security and, thereby, the resilience of democracy. It also emphasizes the need for a critically reflective and ethically grounded approach. “The changing geopolitical situation has a significant impact on our security,” says Professor Jan S. Hesthaven, President of KIT. “We stand for fundamental values such as democracy and freedom, including academic freedom. At the same time, we have obligations towards society. That is why we are determined to strengthen security through our work and, as a public research institution, to contribute to the common good.”

The position paper was preceded by a strategic planning process. Following a Senate retreat, researchers had been working with the Executive Board since early autumn 2025 to reflect on KIT’s role and responsibilities and systematically examine selected security-related research approaches. Working groups addressed, among other things, the protection of critical infrastructure with the aim of strengthening security of supply, as well as the importance of digital sovereignty and the defense against cyberattacks. Security-related robotics for the protection of people, sensor technology and communication were also discussed, including approaches to the early detection of threats and the issuance of warnings. Systems engineering played a role, as did the development of drones and drone defense technology.

In the next steps, KIT will clarify the internal framework. The Ethics Committee is prominently involved in this process. “It is important to the Executive Board to make this process transparent and to outline the guidelines for the way forward as early as possible,” said Hesthaven. “It is essential to take a stance on the subject of security-related research and to have a clear position.”

ckö, April 17, 2026