Academia has become increasingly international, with students pursuing education abroad, researchers venturing into volatile or sanctioned regions with restricted access and monitoring challenges, and staff frequently travelling worldwide. With research institutions expanding their networks into non-Western countries, travel volume will continue to rise. Navigating risks while working abroad is critical, especially given the heightened geopolitical tensions and the need for compliance with international sanctions and travel restrictions. Additionally, building psychological resilience and supporting mental health are essential, considering the uncertainties and disruptions common in hostile environments.
Forth Global enables academic organisations to work and travel globally in challenging and hostile environments, emphasising daily safety, security, and well-being. Our tailored services address the specific needs of each institution and local context, providing comprehensive solutions for students and staff. By leveraging strong partnerships with local networks worldwide, our field-tested knowledge, and real-time risk management portals that integrate information, location, and communication data, Forth Global delivers rapid, intelligence-driven support and interventions so that your security policies align with current realities.
We also provide national and international assistance and training, including a certified Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) recognised at the national level, which delivers vital skills like threat recognition, conflict de-escalation, and emergency medical response for local contexts. Recognising that organisations frequently dispatch their staff on short notice, we offer open HEAT courses weekly with last-minute enrolment options, ensuring your staff can prepare effectively even when time is limited.
Universities and research institutes must enable international collaboration and fieldwork while protecting students and staff and complying with duty of care, sanctions, and institutional policies. In many cases, they also face challenges such as limited budgets for prevention measures, digital security risks, and the growing importance of diversity and inclusivity in their programmes and communities.
Forth Global is uniquely suited for this “job to be done” as a one-brand, total supplier that provides risk advisory through policy developments and assessments, a 24/7 alarm centre for emergencies and response, a travel platform application with real-time intelligence, and tailored training for individuals and organisations, emphasising behaviour and stress management. We translate risk frameworks into practical support that works in real classrooms, labs, and field sites. By reducing pains such as poorly prepared field missions, mental health strain, crisis management and reputational damage after incidents, and creating gains in safe mobility, continuity of research programmes and institutional reassurance, Forth Global becomes the preferred partner that makes international education and research possible even in high-risk environments.
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Want to know more? Please contact Christiaan Oldenkamp: christiaan@forthglobal.com.