Due diligence in science: a closer look at personal background checks

Background checks on potential cooperation partners, visiting researchers and other project participants reflect a growing awareness of security in an increasingly globally interconnected research environment. The aim is to ensure the sustainable safeguarding of international research cooperation and to protect both institutional and national interests.

To specifically support institutions in addressing this challenge, the DLR Projektträger’s Safeguarding Science team organised an expert workshop in spring 2025 with eight universities and research organisations that have already established a process for conducting personal background checks. The results are published here as an addendum to the 2024 “Due Diligence in Science” manualExternal link and provide practical guidance for developing tailored, institution-specific screening processes.

The guidance on personal background checksExternal link is available in German language only.