Trusted Research

Trusted Research enables security in international collaboration, as well as ensuring research and knowledge exchange activities are fully protected.

Trusted Research applies to anyone who has international collaborations. It is particularly relevant to researchers in:

• STEM subjects
• Dual-use technologies
• Emerging technologies including AI and autonomous systems
• Commercially sensitive research areas

Why Trusted Research?

• Trusted Research allows the identification and management of potential risks to research activities.
• Trusted Research helps researchers, UK universities and industry partners to have confidence in international collaboration and make informed decisions around those potential risks (e.g., national security and infrastructure).
• Trusted Research explains how to protect research and staff from potential theft, misuse or exploitation.
• Trusted Research encompasses:
  • Research security
  • Intellectual property
  • Export control compliance
  • Due diligence on potential collaborators and partners
  • Legal and regulatory compliance
  • Ethical and integrity considerations

What are you responsible for?

If you are planning to apply for AI UK funding and would like to bring international collaborators (e.g., industry or academic partners), please complete this check list.

Based on the answers to this checklist, are you happy to proceed with this research collaboration or do you need to escalate this within your institution or department for a decision?

Contact your University Trusted Research team if you have any questions or concerns.

Additional resources:

Generic UKRI guidance on Trusted Research, including examples of good practice:  https://www.ukri.org/about-us/policies-standards-and-data/good-research-resource-hub/trusted-research-and-innovation/

UKRI Trusted Research Principles:

https://www.ukri.org//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/UKRI-170821-TrustedResearchandInnovationPrinciples.pdf

The Government Research Collaboration Advice Team provides advice to research institutions on the national security risks linked to international research:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/research-collaboration-advice-team/about#who-we-are

Trusted Research Guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA):

https://www.npsa.gov.uk/trusted-research-academia 

Export Control applying to academic research:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/export-controls-applying-to-academic-research