Executive search firms are increasingly being asked to conduct deeper due diligence for leadership roles within higher education, research institutions, foundations, life sciences organizations, and other knowledge-driven sectors. While traditional executive assessments remain essential, concerns surrounding research integrity, academic misconduct, plagiarism, reputational controversies, and institutional governance have expanded the scope of leadership due diligence.

In this fireside chat, AESC and the Mintz Group examine the evolving integrity risks associated with executive appointments in academia and research-focused organizations. Participants will explore the unique challenges involved in evaluating candidates whose careers are rooted in scholarly achievement, scientific research, and public trust. Through practical examples and expert discussion, the session will highlight emerging risks, effective due diligence practices, and strategies for helping clients make informed, defensible leadership decisions.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be better equipped to identify integrity-related concerns, strengthen their due diligence processes, and provide clients with greater confidence when evaluating senior leadership candidates in complex, high-profile sectors. Participants will learn how to:

• Understand the evolving integrity risks associated with executive appointments in academia, research, and scientific organizations.
• Recognize common issues related to academic misconduct, plagiarism, research ethics, and reputational risk.
• Identify additional due diligence considerations beyond traditional executive background assessments.
• Evaluate publicly available information while maintaining appropriate ethical and legal standards.
• Strengthen candidate assessment processes for leadership roles in higher education, foundations, life sciences, and research institutions.