Research security

Why is research security important? 

International collaborations are an important part of research and bring many benefits to researchers and the University. Our international engagement is academically driven, allowing collaborations to flourish. At the same time, we are facing a complex international environment and therefore new and changing potential risks. Increasingly, when undertaking research, we all need to be risk aware, have access to processes to help minimise threats, and be empowered to make informed decisions. The University supports its researchers as they work with partners and funders across the world to combat global challenges, helping to ensure that they and their work remain safe.  

What is the Research Security Hub? 

The University’s Research Security Hub helps academics and PS staff keep themselves and their work safe. The hub contains all the information, guidance and support colleagues will need as they carry out their work, whether it’s collaborating on research, managing data, information governance, travelling or working abroad, welcoming visitors, ATAS requirements or managing Export Controls.  

The hub also includes UK government guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), including its Trusted Research campaign to support the UK’s research community.  

What do researchers need to do?  

When planning a new project, especially one that includes an international collaboration, researchers should ask themselves: 

Who is funding your research?  

• What interests do they represent, and do they conflict with our own? 
• What controls are in place – who owns the research, what can funders do with the research? 

How well do you know your research partners?  

Be clear on:  

• Whether they have any conflicts of interest with other research. 
• Whether and how they represent or are connected with other organisations/countries. 

How is your research being used? 

• Research may be applied in different ways that weren’t intended by the researcher. 
• It is important to think about how research results could be used and consider how to prevent partners or other people with access to your research from doing this inappropriately 

You should also: 

• Use the Research Risk Profiler to  identify potential risks, and understand key process requirements relevant to your project.  
• Familiarise yourself with the Policy on Responsible International Research Collaborations. 

Where can I find out more? 

The Research Security Hub gives academics and PS staff access to processes to help minimise threats and empowers them to make informed decisions. All those involved in research should take a look at the support, tolls and guidance on offer via the hub. 

This includes: 

• Research risk profiler tool 
• Support when travelling and working abroad 
• Information on the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) 
• Information on welcoming visitors 
• Export control and National Security and Investment (NSI) 
• Information governance  
• Data management 
• Responsible collaboration