We are developing a customisable digital toolkit to support trusted research and secure innovation practices at Scottish universities. Further information about the resources we are developing will be published on our website as the project progresses.
The information from external organisations given below is intended as a starting point for general guidance on trusted research and secure innovation in the UK.
UK Government
Trusted Research campaign
Two UK government organisations, the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), developed the concept of ‘Trusted Research’ in 2019 to protect UK research from hostile foreign influence, including intellectual property theft and misuse.
They jointly publish advice and guidance to support the integrity of UK international research collaboration systems.
- Trusted Research Home Page
- Trusted Research Guidance for Academia
- Guidance for international conference attendees: Trusted Research Countries and Conferences Guidance
- Short videos on research security risks: Implementation Scenario Videos
Research Collaboration Advice Team (RCAT)
This UK government team provides advice to research institutions on the national security risks linked to international research. Every UK institution has a nominated RCAT point of contact, providing direct support on how to engage in safe research collaborations.
RCAT publishes occasional guidance and updates: RCAT webpage
Universities UK
Universities UK is the collective voice of 142 universities, which works with the government and higher education sector to champion UK higher education.
Useful resources on their website include:
- Guidance for institutions on the considerations and measures they should take to guard against hostile interference and promote academic freedom: Managing risks in Internationalisation: Security related issues
- Case studies from a diverse range of institutions, representing a wide range of scenarios: Case studies: how universities are managing risk in internationalisation
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is the national funding agency investing in science and research in the UK.
They have published trusted research and innovation principles, which set out their expectations of UKRI-funded organisations in relation to due diligence for international collaboration: UKRI trusted research and innovation principles
You can also find links to relevant legislation and examples of good practice for researchers on their website: UKRI Trusted research and innovation
The Higher Education Research Security Association (HERSA)
HERSA (formerly HEECA) is a forum for engagement and shared expertise for the UK higher education research security community. They facilitate both in-person and online events promoting key discussions and best practices.
Visit the HERSA website for more information on their training materials and guidance to address sector-specific challenges.