On September 17, 2025, the Fudan Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) organized the 79th lecture of the Fudan-LSE Lecture Series. Professor Gunnar Sivertsen from the Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education (NIFU) in Oslo, Norway delivered a lecture on the theme of The influence of geopolitics on global collaboration patterns in science. The session was chaired by Dean Yijia Jing of IGPP. Discussants include Professor Aruhan from Institutes of Science and Development Chinese Academy of Sciences, Associate Professor Yin Li from Fudan University, and Associate Professor Wen Lou from East China Normal University.

Professor Sivertsen is the recipient of the Derek de Solla Price Memorial Medal, awarded in recognition of his “outstanding contributions to the fields of quantitative studies of science”. A leading contributor to the field, he published with co-authors from over thirty countries and in fourteen languages and helped design indicators to measure the relative intensity of scientific collaboration among institutions and countries.

At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Sivertsen reviewed the globalization of scientific research. He noted that research collaboration encompasses both informal networks spontaneously established by researchers and formal mechanisms promoted by governments and funding agencies. With the deepening of scientific globalization, China’s research output in engineering and natural sciences has surpassed that of U.S., making it a significant player in the international scientific landscape. Notably, the disciplinary distribution of China-Norway research collaboration aligns closely with China’s overall research strengths, reflecting China’s growing influence in global scientific cooperation.

Professor Sivertsen then explored the concept of “research security,” which has rapidly gained prominence in research policy in recent years. He explained that the concept first emerged on the U.S. policy agenda and was formally adopted by the EU in 2024, centering on balancing open science with national security. Given that many frontier technologies have dual-use applications, the challenge is how to promote transparency and international cooperation in research while managing security risks. He identified five major challenges in global research governance, making strict control of public science practically challenging. Professor Sivertsen emphasized that the focus should be on promoting more transparent open science and science diplomacy rather than attempting to restrict global science. Scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing can provide evidence-based support for diplomacy, foster cross-national understanding and trust, and offer new solutions to global challenges such as climate change.

During the commentary session, Professor Aruhan linked Sivertsen’s insights to China’s research development practices. Associate Professor Li analyzed the profound impact of technological boundaries and policy environments on research collaboration from a geopolitical and international relations perspective. Associate Professor Lou highlighted that Sivertsen’s analysis is both novel and insightful, offering important perspectives on understanding research barriers and collaboration potential.

In Q&A session, students and faculty engaged in a lively discussion on topics including China’s role in global research collaboration and balancing research security with openness.

After the lecture, Professor Jing presented a commemorative gift to Professor Sivertsen. The event concluded with a group photo of the faculty and students.