‘Trusted Research’ is a framework of guidance and advice from the UK Government which focuses on protecting the UK’s intellectual property.

It helps identify potential risks to research, which may arise from international collaborations and partnerships. It also provides guidance on reducing these risks. This includes protecting sensitive research, people and infrastructure from potential theft, manipulation and exploitation – including instances of interference by hostile actors.

The framework was developed by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The guidance has been developed to help individual researchers and host institutions. It serves to identify and manage legal and national security risks from research activity that involves international collaboration. 

Hostile states are increasingly targeting academic research and innovation activity in the UK. The Trusted Research guidance seeks to mitigate this risk. It also seeks to help researchers comply with the law while minimising the impact on the open, collaborative and cross-border nature of academic research.  

In the UK, Open Research thrives on transparency and trust. Trusted Research is underpinned by several acts of legislation which King’s research activities are bound to comply with. Such legislation includes:

National Security and Investment Act (2021)

This was passed to increase national security, and gives the Government powers to scrutinise and potentially block international transactions which are deemed to pose a security risk. International academic research collaborations (involving key areas of the economy) can potentially fall within the purview of this Act.

Export Control Act (2002) (and amendments)

Enacted to increase national security, and to restrict exports that could be used to suppress human rights or exacerbate conflict in non-democratic countries.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Designed to ensure that international students and post-docs in UK universities who are researching in sensitive subject areas do not inadvertently contribute to the development of weapons of mass destruction, or advanced military technologies in hostile nation states.

General Data Protection Regulation (2021)

Enacted to protect personal data and privacy of UK citizens.

We have formed a Trusted Research committee to guide King’s research community in complying with the UK government framework.

Chaired by Vice President Research and Innovation, Professor Sir Bashir Al-Hashimi, the committee will champion best practice on Trusted Research across the University.

A support model is also being developed to provide the King’s community with timely guidance around Trusted Research.