Protecting your research
Taking action can ensure both continued domestic and international collaboration and protection of your research. Areas to consider are:
Due Diligence
The University carries out due diligence prior to entering into research contracts, including financial, reputational, legal and national security considerations, but it’s important for you to understand who your proposed partner is and what their true interests are.
Conflicts of Interest
Be aware of potential conflicts of interests between research and/or funding partners that you work with. Be open with your partners and discuss your arrangements, and their needs, regularly. Conflicts of interest may be security-related also, so you should be aware of the situation and how it may be perceived, or may be used against you or the University.
Access and Segregation
Ensure appropriate segregation between research programmes, both physically and online, to protect Intellectual Property (IP), research and / or personal data. Only give access to those who have a valid requirement, and control access to sensitive data and security of partner/third party sharing platforms.
Be aware of your responsibilities to protect the data and information that you handle (data management planning and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliance).
Legal Frameworks
If there is an acquisition of an entity or asset, which includes intangible assets such as Intellectual Property, then the National Security and Investment (NS&IA) Act may apply.
If there will be a transfer of goods, technology or data then export control legislation may apply.
If the collaboration will involve new international researchers (or students) coming to work with us the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) may apply.
Trusted Research: Questions to consider
Am I being targeted?
Researchers should be aware of the Current cyber security threat to UK universities and academia.
Your personal data and intellectual property could be under threat from cyber criminals.
Could my research make me a target?
Your ideas could be valuable to specific kinds of people; consider the consequences of what would happen if your research fell into the wrong hands.
Think about the appropriate steps you need to take to protect your research, including your personal and data security.
Could my work end up in the wrong hands?
To prevent potential misuse of your research, make sure all elements of your work are kept secure. Keep up to date with the latest regulations and store data, personal information and other parts of your research securely.
How could my research be used?
Research may be applied in different ways that weren’t intended. Think about how research results could be used and consider how to prevent partners or other people with access to research from doing this inappropriately.
Who is funding my research?
Consider what controls are in place to mitigate any conflicts of interest and if it is clear who owns the research and what funders can do with the research?
Consider what interest they represent and whether they conflict with yours or those of the University.
How well do I know my research partners?
Look into the background and connections of potential partners and if they represent or are connected with other organisations/ countries, and whether they have any conflicts of interest with other research.
Consider, if the wrong people had access to your work, what might they be able to do with it?
Am I putting my reputation at risk?
Security breaches, inappropriate or unethical use of research or dubious funding sources can all impact on your reputation as a researcher. They can make securing future roles and funding more difficult.
Securing my research
When considering the security of your research, think beyond cyber security issues and attempts to breach the systems you use. Consider more broadly the above elements to ensure that your research and your data (personal and research data) are protected from falling into the wrong hands and be subject to misuse.
