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.

The campaign is headed by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Trusted Research Guidance  - National Protective Security Authority website

National Cyber Security Centre website

Why is Trusted Research important?

Today’s shifting geopolitical climate means UK researchers face increasing risks when collaborating internationally. Some countries with whom we have strong academic and economic links hold very different political and ethical values and in some cases act as strategic rivals. This creates opportunities for hostile actors to target UK researchers seeking access to personal data, research findings, or intellectual property for their own strategic advantage. 

As a result, the UK Government applies greater scrutiny to international collaborations involving sensitive technology, data, or expertise, and research organisations in turn must undertake more detailed due diligence of collaboration opportunities. 

Trusted Research helps researchers and institutions work safely, responsibly and compliantly in this environment, enabling collaboration while reducing the risk of harm.

Scope of Trusted Research

There is particular focus on ensuring sensitive research and intellectual property (IP) are secure from theft, misuse or exploitation by hostile state actors, but the scope extends to also include:

  • due diligence on collaborators
  • compliance with national security and export control legislation
  • physical security and safety
  • travel (including conferences)
  • cyber security
  • the promotion of safe, open and responsible international research partnerships

How Trusted Research is embedded at the University of Edinburgh

The NPSA and NCSC published a Trusted Research Evaluation Framework which allowed the University to benchmark current approaches and plan various process and policy changes via an implementation group. 

University of Edinburgh Trusted Research Evaluation Framework implementation group

The implementation group includes representatives from academic and professional services teams across the University, and its work will allow the University to deliver a structured, consistent and proportionate approach to managing risk across all its research activities. 

This two-year project will embed responsible research principles within existing University processes and procedures, ensuring that research projects and collaborations are assessed at appropriate stages for potential security, legal, or ethical risks. 

Read the responsible research principles.

The implementation will bring together due diligence, risk assessment, and clear escalation routes, supported by guidance from specialist professional services teams and training for research staff. This ensures researchers will be supported to collaborate openly and internationally while complying with regulatory requirements and safeguarding the University’s people, knowledge, and reputation.

How does Trusted Research apply to my work?

If you choose to collaborate with overseas partners, it is important you consider the potential risks associated with your research, some of which relate to current legislation around export control and national security. There are resources and guidance to support you. 

Learning resources and guidance

The NPSA's Trusted Research Guidance for Academia can help you understand those risks and Professional Services colleagues here at the University can help you put in place appropriate mitigations to avoid unwanted outcomes - including prosecution. 

Use the NPSA collaboration checklist to determine the level of risk associated with a collaboration.

The Trusted Research Countries and Conferences Guidance provides information on how to navigate international collaborations, which vary significantly depending on the country you are visiting or collaborating with. This includes hosting or attending international conferences.

The NPSA and the NCSC have developed a series of short videos, based on real events that have occurred in UK academia.

Shared workspaces guidance is aimed at users and providers of shared workspaces, offices, coworking spaces and laboratories to encourage basic security practices and enhance your security awareness.

Further information about Trusted Research for University of Edinburgh staff, including your individual responsibilities, is listed on our internal Edinburgh Research Office HUBsite.

Regulations, legislation and frameworks

Find further information on related regulations, legislation and frameworks on our Edinburgh Research Office webpages below:

Export Control information and policies

National Security and Investment Act (2021)

Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

Financial Conflict of Interest

Contact us

If you have any questions about the information on this page, please email exportcontrol@ed.ac.uk 

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