Bert Hubert Advocates for Scientific Security at TU Delft
Delft, Tuesday, 2 December 2025.
At a TU Delft symposium, Bert Hubert emphasized the importance of scientific security, highlighting vulnerabilities in research and proposing security enhancements to safeguard scientific advancements.
The Context of Scientific Security
At the recent TU Delft VvTP Physics symposium, held on November 20, 2025, Bert Hubert delivered a compelling lecture on the theme ‘Security of Science.’ His talk underscored the critical need for robust security measures within scientific research environments, highlighting the vulnerabilities that exist in current practices. Hubert, drawing on his extensive experience, argued that universities are traditionally designed to disseminate knowledge, which inadvertently makes it difficult to keep sensitive research secure [1][2].
Historical Context and Modern Implications
Hubert’s lecture provided historical insights into how universities have contributed to militarily significant innovations, such as atomic bombs and radar technology, emphasizing the dual-use nature of scientific research. He pointed out the role of institutions like Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Labs, which function as military research hubs while maintaining academic ties. This dual-use potential necessitates a reevaluation of security protocols to prevent the misuse of scientific advancements [1][3].
Proposals for Enhanced Security
In light of these concerns, Hubert proposed that European countries should establish dedicated military technology institutes, akin to the ‘Seven Sons of National Defense’ in China, to foster innovation while maintaining security. He suggested that these institutes should collaborate closely with universities but operate under distinct security frameworks to protect sensitive research from espionage and unauthorized dissemination [1][3].
The Role of TU Delft in Addressing Security Challenges
TU Delft, as a leading educational institution, has been proactive in addressing these challenges. Recent collaborations, such as those with Royal Heijmans on disaster preparedness and the establishment of a cloud lab for climate research, demonstrate the university’s commitment to integrating security considerations into scientific inquiry. Hubert’s lecture further emphasized the importance of such initiatives, calling for continuous improvement in scientific security measures [2][4].