Reporting Foreign Interference and Research Security Concerns?

The University of Cambridge supports its researchers and teaching staff to undertake their work at the cutting edge of innovation and on an international stage. The University encourages staff and students to engage with colleagues from across the world and facilitates their research and teaching to have global impact.

The University also recognises that our activities are of interest to hostile state actors and that our staff and students may be exposed in their work to risks, pressures and challenges as a result. 

What is foreign interference?

Foreign interference is a deceptive, corrupt or coercive attempt by a foreign state to interfere with the decision-making at a UK institution.

What is research security?

Research security describes considerations and preventive measures to protect research activities more widely against threats, including cyber-attacks, IP theft, or non-compliance with legal frameworks, which can include but are not exclusive to foreign state actors.  Research security focuses on the risks, activities, and behaviours that may have adverse economic, strategic, and, at times, national and international security implications for research. In many cases, a lack of research security has a negative impact on research integrity.

Reporting foreign interference or activities threatening research security

This reporting mechanism is designed to allow staff and students to access support when facing challenges involving a foreign state, this might include:

Risks relating to ongoing research collaborations, for example:

• Attempts to steal research data or intellectual property
• Attempts to pressure researchers to share sensitive data or information inappropriately
• Suspicious activities or behaviours by collaborators
• Challenges relating to export controls or military use of technology that emerge during a collaboration

Risks arising though research activities undertaken overseas, for example:

• Approaches by foreign state actors, such as intelligence services or militaries
• Attempts at conferences or other overseas events to gain access to University research

• Unusual requests for future collaboration or data sharing

   

Foreign interference (i.e. inappropriate attempts by a foreign state to interfere in University decision making), for example:

• Intimidation and threats from a foreign power designed to influence areas of research or teaching or obtain a specific policy outcome

• Deceptive, corrupt or coercive attempts to make University staff or students act according to the wishes of a foreign power

   

Any University staff or student who wishes to report concerns relating to research security or foreign interference may do so by contacting researchgovernance@admin.cam.ac.uk. Please title your email “Research Security Report” or “Foreign Interference Report” and provide the following details in your email: 

• The Department/Institute to which the concerns relate
• A description of the activity and why you think it’s a research security risk or foreign interference

All reports will be referred to the University’s Head of Research Policy, Governance and Integrity (HRPGI) who will lead on the handling (alongside appropriate University administrative offices and leadership) and, where appropriate, escalation of reports.