Security and Ethics in International Collaboration

International collaboration between universities promotes global exchange in research and teaching and helps build bridges between countries. At the same time, however, it also poses security-related risks, such as scientific espionage or dual use of research results for military purposes. The core values ​​that apply at TH Köln, especially academic freedom, are not self-evident among all actors in the global science system.

To actively address these challenges and enable international collaboration in a secure and cooperative environment, guidelines on on security, ethics and compliance in international inter-institutional collaboration (published soon) were developed and approved by the senate of TH Köln in March 2025. These guidelines support the members of TH Köln in safely carrying out international activities within the framework of a dynamic, multipolar world order and changing legal conditions.

The Centre for International Academic Cooperation (KIWi) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also deals with the topic of "Scientific cooperation under complex conditions" and, with the KIWi Compass No Red Lines, provides universities with a framework for independently assessing the opportunities and risks in cooperation with international partners. 

Based on the country-specific embargoes of the European Union, there are currently no international activities of TH Köln (including business trips) with the following countries: