Research in Classified Environments

Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies (SJMS) and Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC) invite PhD students who work within military research environments, where classification might be or become an issue, to a workshop on methodological challenges and publishing strategies. 

Many researchers within the field of military studies are expected to navigate between security concerns, research ethics and academic standards. As the security situation in Europe changes, this ability to navigate security concerns only becomes more pertinent, and relevant for more and more researchers. 

The workshop will touch upon questions such as: 

• Are there methodological approaches that are unique to working in classified environments? What are those? 
• How can you enhance your chances of publishing your research in a way that satisfies both academic standards and security concerns? 
• Are there alternative ways to publish your research? 
• What kind of documentation can you send to editors and reviewers, what do you need to keep to yourself, and what do you need to keep away from the public? 

The workshop does not give any definite answers to such questions, but invites to a forum to discuss the student’s challenges in relation to practical experience and state-of-the-art research on the field. 

Preparations

There will be a distributed reading list of relevant background documents before the workshop starts. 

Application

Application deadline: 1 March 2025

The workshop is first come, first serve. You will be notified at the latest 1 April, whether or not you are accepted in the workshop.

To apply, write an e-mail to ralo@fak.dk describing in 1-200 words how your research relates to classified environments (it does not have to be directly related to classified material). Indicate how far you are in your process and whether you are most interested in discussing publication or methodological challenges.

Your email will be used by the organizers to prepare the workshop, making sure it is relevant for all contributors. 

Questions that might guide your application (optional): 

• Describe a specific instance where you encountered a methodological or ethical dilemma while working with classified materials. How did you resolve it? 
• When you discuss your work with other PhD-students at civil institutions, not working with graded material – how do you experience that your own process is different from theirs? 
• What – if any – strategies have you developed to collaborate with researchers who do not have security clearance? 

Economy

The workshop is free of charge, and you will be able to participate in the NATO in the Nordics conference, 17-18 September, 2025 (please indicate in your application letter if you expect to participate or not). The conference programme will be published in May. 

ECTS

No ECTS will be given for this course, but it is possible to prepare a diploma to document your participation.