Nienke Buisman is deputy Director International Cooperation in Research and Innovation since 2021 and Head of Unit International Cooperation Policy in the European Commission, Directorate-General Research & Innovation since 2019. She is in charge of developing and implementing the ‘Global Approach to Research and Innovation’, Europe’s strategy for international cooperation, specifically focussing on Africa, Asia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East as well as science diplomacy. Nienke started her career in the European Commission in 2002 and worked in several policy and managerial positions in the fields of R&I policy, international cooperation with a strong focus on R&I cooperation with Africa and transport and energy policy. Nienke holds a MSc in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She also holds a double French-British MA in European Public Policy.
It is of key importance that international R&I cooperation takes place in a way that is both open and safe. Self-governance by the R&I sector is the best guarantee for a research security approach that is effective and proportionate (‘with academic freedom comes academic responsibility’). Governments need to support the sector by raising awareness and providing guidance and support.
The Commission stands ready to follow-up on the Council Recommendation, once it is adopted, by investing in the evidence-base for policymaking and in capacity-building for Member States and by contributing to a level-playing field by increasing consistency of safeguarding measures.”