Trusted Research

Background and Context

Trusted Research refers to principles and policies that support the integrity of international research collaborations for UK research institutions. It is about ensuring that those collaborations can continue to be successful in today’s political climate, and that intellectual property, sensitive data and personal information are protected. The research environment is increasingly complex and there is a delicate balance between managing the benefits and risks of international collaborations. As a university community, we need to be aware of the risks and how to protect ourselves, the University and our research.

Collaboration with researchers and organisations around the world is a fundamental principle that supports our research. Our research community is international, and we welcome staff, students and visitors from all over the world. As we operate in such a widespread, globally diverse environment, some risks associated with international collaboration are growing in complexity.

These risks may include:

• Risks to academic integrity
• Breaching UK or international legislation
• Loss of data or intellectual property
• Limitations of funding
• Damage to reputations of researchers or the University.

The UK government has introduced legislation to manage these risks and the university is bound by these requirements. Additionally, UK higher education bodies have produced guidance or frameworks to help universities navigate these issues and protect staff and institutions (see below).

Research produced by UK universities may risk being misused by individuals, organisations and governments whose principles are at odds with those of the UK. Without protection, people, their data and intellectual property could be accessed by parties with hostile intentions. This will naturally be applicable to some disciplines more than others, but all researchers are required to be vigilant and to carefully consider the implications of international collaboration.

Trusted Research at Essex

The University is in the process of creating a Trusted Research Policy which will be disseminated once complete.

The University currently carries out due diligence on research partners, and information about this can be found in our Due Dilligence guidance.

Questions you should ask

Before entering into international collaborations you should consider the following questions:

• Are you providing valuable or sensitive data or intellectual property (IP) to the project? If so, how will this be protected?
• Why does this organisation or individual want to work with you?
• Is there any publicly available information about the potential partner which might give you cause for concern?
• Does your work have any military or defence purposes or could it be used for such? If so, you should discuss the security implications with your Director of Research.
• Would the proposed partnership create any conflicts of interest for you or the University?
• Would this research breach any existing contractual agreements that you, your department or school, or the University already have?
• What information is available about the level of freedom and the state of law of the country in which the potential research partner is based?
• Will the project lead to the physical movement of goods or the transfer of software, data, technology or IP from the UK to a destination outside the UK? If so, might this fall within the scope of UK Export Control Regulations. Contact the REO for guidance about Export Control: reo-due-diligence@essex.ac.uk
• Have you read the university’s information security guidance?
• Who will own any IP that is generated?

Other sources of information

UUK has published guidance regarding managing risks in internationalisation.

UKRI has produced guidance on Trusted Research and Innovation Principles.

Who to contact

If you have any concerns about anything covered by Trusted Research principles, or would like advice about the security of research collaborations, please contact the REO due diligence team: reo-due-diligence@essex.ac.uk