InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) – International Science Council (ISC) webinar: Safeguarding scientific data in times of crisis

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the International Science Council concluded a webinar focused on the threats to scientific data, strategies for safeguarding it in times of crisis, and insights gained from recent experiences. The event took place online on 21 May 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM UTC.

In times of crisis – be it health emergencies, wars, natural disasters or cyber incidents – the integrity, availability and security of scientific data are at heightened risk. Despite growing digital infrastructure, many research institutions lack comprehensive strategies for secure data storage and loss prevention. A single disruption can wipe out years of research or restrict access when it’s most needed. As digital transformation accelerates, so too must our approaches to data resilience.

While these issues are increasingly urgent for the global research community, many science institutions may not have fully assessed their vulnerabilities or preparedness. This webinar addressed core questions around data storage models and proactive safeguarding strategies to ensure that scientific data remains intact, accessible and trustworthy in any crisis. Through this session, the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) and the International Science Council (ISC) brought together experts to discuss the risks to scientific data during crises, best practices for resilience, and lessons learned from recent global emergencies. The event provided a platform for researchers, institutional leaders and data experts to exchange insights and seek clarification on relevant strategies. The webinar was recorded and summarized on the IAP and ISC websites (see past webinars).

Watch recording

You can watch the webinar recording by clicking here

Play video

Themes and topics

• Where is Scientific Data Stored?
• Local servers vs. cloud storage vs. decentralized systems
• Institutional vs. third-party repositories
• Protecting data and sharing with trusted partners
• Preventive Measures and Resilience Planning
• Backups, redundancy, and best practices
• Staff training and institutional preparedness (e.g., Argentina case)
• Case Studies from Recent Crises
• Lessons learned and adaptive measures (e.g., Ukraine, Lebanon)
• Post-crisis contexts such as the COVID-19 experience

The event was recorded and summarized on the IAP website (see past webinars).

Speakers

• Moderator: Stephanie Burton, University of Pretoria
• Thalia Arawi, Founder of the Salim El-Hoss Bioethics and Professionalism
• Program (SHBPP) at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Specialist in medical bioethics in times of crisis
• Yana Sychikova, Vice-Rector for Research, Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, Ukraine
• Dr. Serhii Nazarovets, Senior Researcher, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, Ukraine
• Burçak Başbuğ, Professor of Statistics and Disaster Science at the Middle East Technical University (METU)
• Larry Hughes, Vice President of Research and Development at the Cloud Security Alliance

Contact information

The webinar was organized by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) as part of its ongoing webinar series. Inquiries should be sent to Moses Ogutu at [email protected] or the IAP Secretariat at [email protected].

Protecting science in times of crisis

This working paper addresses the urgent need for a new and proactive approach to safeguard science and its practitioners during global crises.

Download

Data policies in times of crisis facilitated by open sceince

• Launch of UNESCO Open Science Toolkit Resources – Data Policies in Times of Crisis Facilitated by Open Science
• Open Science Factsheet
• Guidance for Developing Data Policies
• Checklist for Developing Data Policies

Image by Canva