- Global Research at Risk
By 2030, nearly half of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) may remain unmet—unless we find new ways to collaborate across borders.
In a world facing climate emergencies, rising inequality, and public health crises, global research collaboration has never been more vital. Yet today, geopolitical tensions, shifting policies, and financial pressures are closing doors that were once wide open. Researchers are struggling to maintain partnerships, students face barriers to mobility, and critical knowledge exchange is at risk of slowing down.
This isn’t just an issue for academia—it’s a global challenge that threatens our collective ability to deliver solutions for poverty alleviation, gender equality, and climate action.
So the question becomes:
How can universities navigate this shifting landscape and continue to drive meaningful, global research impact?
- The Challenge We Face
Global research collaboration has long been a cornerstone of progress in addressing the world’s most complex and urgent challenges. Whether it’s pioneering vaccine development, advancing renewable energy technologies, or finding solutions to water scarcity, cross-border partnerships have fueled innovation and accelerated impact.
But today, this collaborative spirit faces unprecedented disruptions.
- Geopolitical tensions are redefining alliances and creating uncertainty. Heightened scrutiny over foreign partnerships, national security concerns, and policy shifts are restricting the free flow of knowledge.
- Policy changes—including tighter visa regulations, export controls on technology, and restrictions on academic freedom—are making it harder for researchers and students to work across borders.
- Financial pressures are leading to reduced funding for international research programs and increased competition for shrinking resources.
These factors are straining long-standing academic partnerships and limiting opportunities for student and researcher mobility. As a result, progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—which were already behind schedule—is at risk of slowing further. Key areas like poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and global health depend on international cooperation that is now under threat.
Universities find themselves at a critical crossroads. The question is no longer whether to adapt, but how—and how fast.
- Universities Must Reimagine Global Engagement
In this era of rising geopolitical uncertainty and fragmented global systems, universities stand as critical gateways to knowledge exchange and innovation. However, the traditional models of international collaboration are under strain. To continue advancing research that addresses global challenges—and to safeguard the spirit of academic exchange—universities must rethink their approach.
The core message is this:
Universities need to develop resilient, inclusive, and digitally-driven strategies that not only adapt to global disruptions but also strengthen their role as catalysts for sustainable development.
By diversifying partnerships, embracing digital collaboration, and reinforcing their commitment to equitable knowledge sharing, universities can continue to drive impactful research—despite the obstacles posed by shifting political and economic landscapes.
This is not just about survival. It’s about reimagining international research in a way that is more robust, more equitable, and more aligned with the shared global mission of achieving the SDGs.
4.a) Diversify Partnerships
For decades, international research collaboration has been concentrated among a relatively small group of institutions in high-income countries. While these partnerships have driven significant advancements, the current geopolitical climate exposes the risks of over-reliance on a narrow network of collaborators. To build resilience and ensure the continuity of impactful research, universities must diversify their global partnerships, expanding engagement with a broader range of institutions—particularly in the Global South.
Why this matters:
Emerging economies in Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia are home to vibrant research communities addressing critical issues, often with unique perspectives and localized knowledge. By fostering equitable partnerships with these institutions, universities can co-create solutions that are more inclusive and globally relevant.
How to do this:
- Establish new alliances with universities and research centers in underrepresented regions, focusing on mutual benefits and shared leadership.
- Promote equitable collaboration models where all partners contribute expertise and resources, and where outcomes are shared fairly—this includes co-authorship, funding distribution, and capacity building.
- Leverage regional research networks and platforms that prioritize South-South collaboration as well as North-South cooperation.
Example in action:
The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and collaborations like Latin American Research Consortiums are strengthening capacity and driving innovation in fields such as public health, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture.
The takeaway:
Diversifying partnerships isn’t just a safeguard against geopolitical disruption; it’s a strategic move towards a more inclusive and impactful global research landscape. In doing so, universities not only enhance their resilience but also contribute more meaningfully to solving the world’s most pressing challenges.
4.b) Embrace Digital Collaboration
In an era of restricted mobility and geopolitical uncertainty, digital collaboration is no longer an alternative—it’s a necessity. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual platforms, proving that research, teaching, and academic exchange can thrive without physical borders. Now, universities must build on these lessons and embed digital collaboration into the core of their international engagement strategies.
Why this matters:
Relying solely on physical mobility and traditional exchanges makes universities vulnerable to sudden policy changes, travel bans, and funding cuts. Digital tools offer scalable, inclusive, and cost-effective ways to sustain research collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building—regardless of external disruptions.
How to do this:
- Invest in robust digital infrastructure to support virtual labs, collaborative research platforms, and secure data sharing.
- Expand access to online conferences, workshops, and joint courses that bring together researchers and students from around the world, reducing barriers related to cost and visa restrictions.
- Adopt digital tools like AI-powered research assistants, blockchain for data security, and cloud-based collaborative writing platforms to streamline cross-border projects.
- Ensure inclusivity by addressing the digital divide—providing access, training, and support to partners in regions with limited connectivity.
Example in action:
Initiatives like the Virtual Exchange Programmes run by institutions such as EPFL (Switzerland) and Arizona State University have created dynamic global classrooms. Meanwhile, collaborative research networks such as ResearchGate and Open Science Framework (OSF) allow teams to co-develop projects and share findings in real time.
The takeaway:
Digital collaboration doesn’t replace human connection; it enhances and democratizes it. By embracing digital solutions, universities can foster more resilient, inclusive, and far-reaching research partnerships—ensuring that critical knowledge exchange continues even when borders close.
4.c) Prioritize Research with Global Impact
As global challenges intensify, universities have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to direct their research efforts toward areas with the greatest potential for transformative impact. Focusing on research that addresses urgent, cross-border issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) not only enhances academic relevance but also reinforces the value of international collaboration in an increasingly fragmented world.
Why this matters:
When universities prioritize research that tackles climate change, global health crises, food security, and social inequalities, they demonstrate their commitment to solving problems that affect all of humanity. These challenges require collective intelligence and diverse perspectives—collaboration beyond borders becomes not just ideal, but essential.
How to do this:
- Align research priorities with the SDGs, ensuring that projects address global needs while leveraging local expertise.
- Develop interdisciplinary teams that bring together researchers from diverse backgrounds—social sciences, engineering, public health, and environmental science—to tackle complex, multifaceted problems.
- Engage with communities and stakeholders, both locally and globally, to ensure research outcomes are practical, equitable, and impactful.
- Pursue funding from international bodies (e.g., the Global Challenges Research Fund, Horizon Europe, and UN programs) that support research with a clear global benefit.
Example in action:
The SDG-focused consortia like the International Universities Climate Alliance (IUCA) unite universities across continents to develop policy-relevant research on climate adaptation and mitigation. Similarly, the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (GRAM) Project demonstrates how universities can collaborate to address health threats that transcend national borders.
The takeaway:
Prioritizing research with global impact reinforces the role of universities as engines of positive change. It attracts meaningful collaborations, diversified funding, and enhances the university’s contribution to building a sustainable, equitable future for all.
4.d) Protect Academic Freedom and Values
As geopolitical tensions rise and regulations tighten, academic freedom and core values like integrity, transparency, and openness are increasingly under pressure. Universities must take a proactive stance in safeguarding these principles—not only within their own institutions but also in the global partnerships they foster.
Why this matters:
Academic freedom is the foundation of meaningful research and innovation. Without it, knowledge generation becomes constrained, biased, or even silenced. In politically sensitive contexts, researchers may face censorship, ethical dilemmas, or risks to personal safety. Universities have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of academic exchange and ensure that collaborations align with shared ethical standards.
How to do this:
- Establish clear guidelines and codes of conduct for international partnerships, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
- Implement rigorous due diligence processes when forming alliances, ensuring that research partners operate under ethical and academic freedom-compatible frameworks.
- Provide support and protection mechanisms for scholars at risk, including fellowships, relocation assistance, and legal advocacy.
- Promote open science initiatives, encouraging open-access publishing, data sharing, and collaboration that transcends political restrictions while protecting intellectual property and sensitive information.
Example in action:
Programs like Scholars at Risk (SAR) and the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) provide safe spaces and career pathways for researchers facing persecution. Meanwhile, the Leiden Manifesto for Research Metrics offers a global framework for ethical, transparent research evaluation.
The takeaway:
Protecting academic freedom isn’t just about defending scholars—it’s about preserving the integrity of research itself. Universities that stand firm in their values can build trust, foster ethical global partnerships, and ensure that knowledge remains a public good serving all of humanity.
4.e) Strengthen Mobility with Flexibility
International mobility has long been at the heart of academic exchange, offering researchers and students opportunities to collaborate, share knowledge, and build global networks. However, political instability, travel restrictions, and financial barriers have disrupted traditional models of academic mobility. Universities must now rethink mobility by adopting flexible and innovative approaches that enable cross-border collaboration without relying solely on physical movement.
Why this matters:
Physical mobility programs are increasingly vulnerable to external shocks—whether geopolitical conflicts, visa restrictions, pandemics, or economic downturns. Without adaptable alternatives, universities risk losing vital connections and missing out on the diverse perspectives that international exchanges offer.
How to do this:
- Develop hybrid mobility models, combining shorter-term, in-person exchanges with virtual collaboration before and after travel. This reduces costs and logistical hurdles while maintaining personal connections.
- Invest in virtual mobility programs, such as joint online courses, virtual internships, and remote research projects that enable meaningful cross-border engagement without the need for physical relocation.
- Provide flexible funding opportunities that can be adapted for virtual, hybrid, or in-person exchanges, ensuring that students and researchers can still access international opportunities despite evolving restrictions.
- Promote inclusive mobility policies by offering support for underrepresented groups, scholars from conflict regions, and those facing visa or financial barriers.
Example in action:
The European Commission’s Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange Program has enabled thousands of students to participate in cross-cultural learning experiences online. Similarly, Asia-Pacific Virtual Mobility initiatives are connecting universities across borders with joint programs in sustainability, health, and technology.
The takeaway:
Flexible mobility strategies allow universities to sustain global engagement and collaboration, ensuring that students and researchers continue to benefit from international perspectives—regardless of geopolitical or logistical challenges. It’s about keeping the world connected, even when movement is restricted.
- The Roles of Leadership
At a time when global uncertainties are reshaping the landscape of higher education and research, university leadership plays a pivotal role in navigating these complex challenges. The decisions made today by university executives, deans, and department heads will determine whether their institutions merely react to disruptions—or proactively shape a more resilient and inclusive future for global collaboration.
Why leadership matters:
Leaders set the vision, allocate resources, and create the institutional culture that either fosters or hinders international partnerships. In this evolving landscape, leadership is not only about safeguarding academic excellence but also about championing global responsibility, ethical collaboration, and sustainable impact.
What leadership can do:
- Champion a values-driven approach: University leaders must commit to protecting academic freedom, promoting equity, and ensuring ethical standards in all global engagements.
- Foster a culture of global citizenship: Encourage students, faculty, and staff to think beyond borders—instilling values of empathy, inclusivity, and social responsibility as central to academic life.
- Support capacity building: Invest in training programs that equip researchers with the skills to collaborate digitally, work across cultures, and manage international partnerships with sensitivity to local contexts.
- Advocate for global research priorities: University leaders can amplify their institutions’ voices in international forums, advocating for research aligned with the SDGs and global public good.
Example in action:
Universities like The University of Cape Town and The University of Melbourne have developed global strategies that integrate sustainability goals into their research missions, strengthen ties with partners in the Global South, and advance inclusive internationalization policies.
The takeaway:
University leaders are not just administrators—they are global stewards. Their commitment to bold, ethical, and inclusive leadership will ensure that academic exchange and research continue to thrive, even in uncertain times.
5.a) Australia’s Role: Leading by Example
Universities in developed nations like Australia have both the capacity and responsibility to lead the way in reshaping global research collaboration for sustainable development. With world-class research facilities, robust funding mechanisms, and a strong track record in international partnerships, Australian universities are uniquely positioned to foster inclusive, impactful, and resilient global networks.
How Australian universities can make a difference:
- Champion equitable North-South collaborations: Australian universities can prioritize research partnerships with institutions in the Global South, focusing on shared leadership and equitable resource allocation. Programs like the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Australia Awards Scholarships can be leveraged to support capacity building and co-created research projects in areas such as climate resilience, public health, and sustainable agriculture.
- Support climate and sustainability research in vulnerable regions: As a country already experiencing the impacts of climate change, Australia can extend its expertise to neighboring Pacific Island nations and Southeast Asia. Joint research on renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and disaster resilience can have transformative regional impacts.
- Provide safe haven for at-risk scholars: Universities like the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and Griffith University can offer fellowships, research positions, and sanctuary programs for scholars facing political persecution or threats to academic freedom in their home countries.
- Lead in digital inclusion: With advancements in digital infrastructure, Australian universities can expand virtual learning and collaborative research platforms to include partners from low-resource regions. Initiatives like Open Universities Australia and global MOOCs already demonstrate leadership in accessible education.
Example in Action:
Griffith University’s International Water Centre collaborates with partners in Asia-Pacific to address critical water management and sustainability challenges, combining research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. Similarly, James Cook University works extensively on tropical health and marine biodiversity with countries across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The takeaway:
As middle powers with global reach, Australian universities can model how to balance excellence with equity—showing that research impact extends beyond rankings to making a genuine difference in the world.
5.b) Thailand’s Role—Bridging the Gap in ASEAN
Thailand occupies a unique position in the landscape of global research collaboration. While its universities may not yet match those of wealthier nations like Australia, they have considerable advantages over many institutions in the least-developed regions. Thai universities, therefore, have a pivotal role in bridging the gap between highly resourced institutions and those facing significant developmental barriers—especially within the ASEAN region.
Why Thai Universities Matter:
With stable political conditions, growing research infrastructure, and strategic geographic positioning in Southeast Asia, Thai universities can play a crucial role in regional research leadership, policy influence, and capacity-building efforts. They can effectively facilitate South-South collaboration while leveraging international support from developed-country partners.
Opportunities for Thai Universities:
- ASEAN-Focused Research Collaboration
- Universities such as Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Kasetsart University are well-positioned to lead research initiatives that directly address regional challenges like:
- Climate-resilient agriculture,
- Disaster risk management,
- Tropical disease control and public health systems, and
- Renewable energy technologies adapted to ASEAN’s diverse needs.
Example:
Chulalongkorn University’s ASEAN studies centers regularly host policy forums and joint research projects on regional issues, actively engaging partners from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
- Enhancing Regional Mobility and Capacity Building
- Thai universities can become educational hubs within Southeast Asia, attracting talent from neighboring countries (Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam) through scholarships, short-term training, and joint degree programs.
- Initiatives like the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) have historically supported capacity-building exchanges and could be expanded further to include specialized research-focused exchanges, leveraging university expertise.
Example:
Chulalongkorn and Mahidol Universities currently offer ASEAN-specific scholarship programs that promote equitable education and research training in the region.
Special Spotlight: How AIT Can Lead
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand uniquely embodies regional and international collaboration. Having already established strong links across ASEAN, South Asia, and beyond, AIT can further leverage its international recognition and alumni network to:
- Facilitate regional research partnerships in critical areas like water resource management, renewable energy, urban planning, and climate adaptation.
- Serve as a regional knowledge hub by hosting policy dialogues, training ASEAN researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.
- Provide technology transfer and innovation incubation tailored to the needs of ASEAN countries.
Example in action:
AIT’s ongoing collaborations, such as its flagship programs funded by international organizations (ADB, World Bank, EU), exemplify how a regional institution can effectively connect global expertise to local and regional needs.
AIT’s Leadership Potential:
- Expand and champion ASEAN-centric collaborative research, establishing AIT as a regional leader in sustainability education and innovative applied research.
- Actively participate in shaping regional policy dialogues, positioning itself as a critical intermediary for knowledge exchange between ASEAN countries and global research communities.
Case Study in Action:
AIT’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), a recognized entity in environmental management and sustainability, is already providing a template for cross-border knowledge exchange and policy influence within the region.
The Takeaway:
Thailand’s universities—especially AIT—occupy a unique strategic position. By proactively leading regional collaborations and capacity building, they can significantly accelerate progress towards the SDGs within ASEAN, effectively bridging the gap between resource-rich developed nations and countries with greater development constraints.
5.C) Bangladesh’s Role: Driving Change in the Global South
As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, Bangladesh sits on the frontlines of global challenges like rising sea levels, natural disasters, and public health crises. Yet, despite resource limitations, Bangladeshi universities have the potential to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development—both domestically and within the broader South Asian region.
Leading institutions like Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), University of Dhaka, and BRAC University have already demonstrated research excellence in areas such as climate adaptation, renewable energy, and public health. Now, there is an opportunity—and an urgent need—for these institutions to guide, support, and collaborate with other domestic universities to amplify their collective impact.
Opportunities for Bangladeshi Universities
- Championing Applied, Context-Specific Research
- Bangladesh’s universities can lead research focused on climate-resilient agriculture, disaster risk reduction, urban planning, and renewable energy technologies, grounded in the country’s specific socio-economic and environmental context.
- These research outcomes can directly inform national policies and offer scalable solutions for neighboring countries facing similar challenges (e.g., Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka).
- Regional Knowledge Hubs
- BUET and other leading universities can evolve into regional centers of excellence in fields like water resource management, textile and garment sustainability, and public health research, attracting students, researchers, and policymakers from across South Asia.
- Capacity Building and Mentorship
- BUET can mentor emerging universities in Bangladesh, fostering a culture of research excellence and academic leadership. Collaborative programs can help under-resourced universities build research capacity, develop graduate programs, and access international funding opportunities.
Barriers Faced by Bangladeshi Universities
- Limited Research Funding and Infrastructure
- Many universities struggle with inadequate research funding, outdated lab facilities, and limited access to global research databases and journals.
- Brain Drain and Retention Issues
- A significant number of talented researchers and faculty pursue opportunities abroad due to better facilities and more competitive salaries, making it difficult to retain top talent.
- Policy and Administrative Constraints
- Bureaucratic hurdles in grant approvals, rigid administrative processes, and lack of autonomy in governance impede innovation and slow down research progress.
- Insufficient Industry-Academia Linkages
- There is often a disconnect between universities and industries, limiting the commercialization of research and the development of real-world solutions.
How National and International Support Can Help Overcome These Barriers
- Government Support
- Increase national investment in research and development (R&D), specifically in SDG-focused sectors like renewable energy, climate resilience, and public health.
- Streamline regulatory frameworks to facilitate faster approval of research grants and international collaborations.
- International University Collaborations
- Partnerships with universities in Australia, Europe, and North America can provide joint research opportunities, faculty exchange programs, and access to cutting-edge technology.
- Programs like Horizon Europe, UNESCO’s South-South Cooperation, and Australian-funded research schemes can help bridge funding gaps and enhance institutional capacity.
- Diaspora Engagement
- Engage Bangladeshi scholars in the diaspora to mentor researchers, support joint projects, and build international networks.
- BUET as a National Leader
- BUET can establish national research consortia, bringing together universities from across the country to collaborate on multi-disciplinary projects addressing national and regional SDG priorities.
- As a leading institution, BUET can also set research standards, offer training programs, and help shape national research policies.
Example in Action:
BUET’s Institute of Water and Flood Management (IWFM) works on innovative solutions for urban water management and flood resilience, providing data and research that influence national policies and benefit other flood-prone countries in the region.
The Takeaway:
Bangladeshi universities, with BUET at the forefront, have the potential to become regional champions for sustainable development and academic collaboration. However, realizing this potential requires concerted support from national policymakers and international partners. Together, they can unlock new opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and impactful research that transcends borders.
- A Call to Action
In a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical divisions and uncertainty, universities remain beacons of hope, knowledge, and collaboration. While borders may close and policies may shift, the pursuit of truth, innovation, and human progress must remain boundless.
Now more than ever, universities have a responsibility to reimagine global engagement, embracing resilience, equity, and digital innovation to continue advancing solutions to our planet’s most pressing challenges. By diversifying partnerships, embracing digital collaboration, prioritizing research with global impact, protecting academic freedom, and adopting flexible mobility models, higher education institutions can safeguard the values that define them.
The world is watching. Universities can retreat into silos—or they can step forward as global leaders, driving research that transcends borders and transforms lives.
The choice is clear.
Let’s choose to build bridges, not walls.
Let’s choose to collaborate, not isolate.
Let’s choose to make knowledge a force for sustainable development, equity, and peace.
How is your university adapting to this evolving landscape?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or initiatives you’re part of—let’s keep this conversation going!