Responsible Research

Guidance and resources to help you conduct research responsibly, securely and in line with legal and regulatory frameworks.

To protect our staff, participants, partners, and the University, all research must be undertaken in a responsible manner. Responsible research encompasses compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and ethical requirements, while also taking account of the wider societal, environmental and economic impacts of research and innovation.

Responsible research recognises that research and innovation can raise complex questions and uncertainties and that the impacts may be beneficial, ambiguous, or unintended. It is important to reflect on the purpose and the potential consequences of the research, engaging openly with stakeholders where appropriate, and ensuring that research is conducted in ways that are socially desirable and aligned with the public interest. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) provide further information for researchers and staff to learn about responsible research.

Responsible Innovation resource (UKRI webpage)

Responsibility for this is shared across the research system, including researchers, the University, funders, partners, and wider society. The University of Edinburgh are committed to ensuring our research is performed in a responsible way through our ‘Responsible Research Principles’:

  • Apply rigour in ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and institutional requirements; in reviewing our research and collaborations for potential risks; in putting in place appropriate mitigations and monitoring processes, and in cooperating with relevant due diligence processes. 

  • Be open and transparent in discussing and reviewing our research and its potential risks with colleagues and collaborators, through internal processes such as due diligence and ethical review (whilst ensuring we respect commercial or security sensitivities).  Being open and transparent ensures all those involved are aware of relevant risks, mitigations and processes as well as local regulations that apply to the research. 

  • Take an ethical approach by planning and conducting research with careful consideration given to its wider implications.  This includes considerations around how our research is carried out, what is published and where it is shared, and how outputs may affect others, including the potential for misuse. 

  • Show care for the local and wider communities by considering the potential misuse or dual-use (i.e goods, software or technology that has both civilian and military applications) implications of our research and outputs, both within or beyond the project. We have a responsibility to recognise how others, including connected individuals, collaborators or organisations, may use our research in a harmful way. 

  • Promote secure collaboration by managing the collection and storage of data and access to data, facilities and systems appropriately, including both digital and physical access during and after a project. Be open in collaborations, whilst restricting access to those who need it including taking appropriate precautions when granting access to University facilities, and when travelling overseas for work or personal trips related to research activity (using the Edinburgh Global Partnerships Toolkit).

  • Take personal responsibility for our actions and inactions and help to embed Responsible Research Principles in our research and practices.  Be proactive and collegiate in working to ensure our research is rigorous, ethical and adheres to relevant legal and regulatory requirements.  

Responsible global engagement is about being aware of the potential risks of our international engagements and thinking about what we might do to protect our staff and the University. International engagement takes on many forms including:

  • educational partnerships
  • funding of research
  • informal academic interactions (e.g. joint publications)
  • overseas visits and international conferences
  • exchanges of data, information, research materials and equipment
  • hosting of short and long-term visitors
  • recruitment of staff and students

Learn about responsible global engagement on the Edinburgh Global website


Within the broader context of Responsible Research, the University also provides specific guidance on managing risks associated with research collaborations, including international partnerships through its Trusted Research approach.

Trusted Research

Trusted Research is an advice and guidance campaign launched by the UK Government aimed at supporting UK academics, research and funding organisations to navigate and mitigate security risks associated with international research collaboration.

Export Control

Export control policies, guidance and support for staff.

National Security and Investment Act (2021)

The National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) requirements relate to University research, commercialisation, and partnership processes.

Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

The National Security Act 2023 introduced the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), effective from 01 July 2025, to improve transparency about activities in the UK carried out at the direction of foreign powers or state-controlled organisations in order to protect national security.

Financial Conflict of Interest

Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) refers to a framework of financial disclosure and reporting requirements imposed by United States Federal regulations with the aim of ensuring objectivity in research.

Report concerns with international collaborations at the University

Report any risk-related issues or concerns you may have with international collaborations at the University.

Contact us

HUBsite for the research community

All information about Edinburgh Research Office services for staff at the University of Edinburgh can be found on the HUBsite for the research community.

Visit the HUBsite | Responsible Research

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