Trusted Research: Guidance on Protecting Research from Risks in International Engagement

Introduction

The University of Cambridge is an international research community and our research benefits from collaboration and investment from across the world.  It is a significant strength that our researchers play a leading role within the global research community.

As well as the huge benefits that are offered by international research collaboration, it is important to recognise the associated risks. We must safeguard our research to ensure that research and innovation at Cambridge and across the UK continues to thrive. To support this endeavour, the University has developed principles and guidance for the management of risks in international research. These webpages provide more detailed guidance on a key aspect of these principles, safeguarding out research from potential risks of theft and exploitation by hostile actors.

Safeguarding Research

It is each researcher’s responsibility to reflect on the work that they do and their research and funding partnerships to determine the potential risks and ensure the security of data and intellectual property from potential malicious actions outside formal partnership arrangements

Academics working in STEM subjects, dual-use technologies, emerging technologies, social sciences and commercially sensitive areas are most at risk from potential threats to intellectual property, sensitive research and personal information.

Trusted Research Guidance

The UK's Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) has developed Trusted Research Guidance to help you and the University understand and manage potential risks and support the integrity of international research collaboration. It is designed to help you make informed choices about research partnerships and covers areas from general information about the risks to your research to checklists to help you protect your data. Researchers are encouraged to review this detailed guidance when considering potential international research partnerships.

In consideration of the Guidance, UKRI has recently published Trusted Research and Innovation Principles that set out its expectations for international collaboration. Organisations it funds, as well as new and existing grant holders, are required to work within these principles. UKRI will expect consideration to be given to these principles in projects involving international partners and may limit or refuse to fund collaborations where these principles are not in place. 

As an expert in your field, and with a full understanding of your research, you are best placed to judge the potential interest and broader application of your work and determine the risk should your research be accessed illegitimately or used in ways other than as intended. The University provides support to help you ensure the security of your projects and the protection of data. These pages are based on the CPNI and UKRI guidance and are designed to support you in understanding the risks.

Researchers are advised to first review the Trusted Research Checklist and then review the more detailed guidance provided throughout these pages.