Trusted Research and Export Control
Trusted research
As a global university, Queen Mary benefits from international research collaborations, which bring significant economic and social benefits and intellectual talent to our local community and the UK.
The sector is now facing increased scrutiny on how we manage such risks and our compliance with legislation. Critically, under the legislation, it is the responsibility of both the University and individual researchers to fulfil research security compliance requirements so we can continue to protect Queen Mary’s reputation and values, staff and students, research activities, infrastructure and partnerships.
Researchers undertaking international research collaborations should consider the potential implications and risks of sharing information and actively take steps to mitigate these risks. The National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has recommended three key areas to consider:
- Assessing partner suitability
- Managing information and knowledge sharing
- Protection of intellectual assets.
NPSA guidance on trusted research for academia can be found on the NPSA's website.
UKRI guidance on trusted research and innovation can be found on the UKRI's website.
Steps to be taken
- Complete our training on Protecting Your Research - this will give you an understanding of key issues such as research data, export controls and cyber security, and provide useful case studies for mitigating risks in day-to-day research.
- Refer to Policy 22: Queen Mary export controls and sanctions policy [PDF 268KB] for information about trusted research and export control.
- If you are travelling abroad for work or leisure and want to take your devices with you check our Travel and Conferences Guidance [PDF 164KB] and Device Guidance Flowchart [PDF 89KB].
- If you plan to travel to a high-risk country – currently defined as Russia, China, Iran and North Korea – please refer to IT Services Policy IS14 – Staff Travelling to high-Risk Countries
- Check whether your research/technology is within the scope by checking Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) guidance on Export controls applying to academic research.
- Check our Trusted Research and Risk Compliance SharePoint site for more resources
- Consult our list of publicly available Guidance for promoting compliance awareness and for identifying and managing security-related risks. [PDF 121KB]
Governing Body
The Queen Mary Trusted Research and Compliance Board serves as the governing body responsible for monitoring Queen Mary's performance in trusted research with international partners and ensuring regulatory compliance relating to research security.
For further information please see: Queen Mary's Trusted Research and Compliance Board Terms of Reference, November 2023 [PDF 101KB]
Contact Us
The team can help assess partnership risks within the global context, provide advice on individual cases in compliance with Export Controls legislations and the NSI Act, develop training and provide guidance in trusted research to researchers.
- Team email account: vp-trustedresearch@qmul.ac.uk
- Magda Morawska, International Risks & Export Control Manager – m.morawska@qmul.ac.uk
- Melissa Bliss, Due Diligence & Compliance Officer - melissa.bliss@qmul.ac.uk
