Russell Group statement on international research collaboration

07 February 2022

In response to media coverage on UK universities' international research collaboration, a Russell Group spokesperson said:

"Research intensive universities treat issues of national security extremely seriously, undertaking robust due diligence checks in line with Government guidance and export controls before forming new international research partnerships. The sector follows the lead of the Government on international collaboration, and takes a pragmatic, risk-based approach that allows the UK to participate as a global leader in research, while ensuring sensitive research is protected.

"Universities have been working closely with Government departments and agencies in recent years to strengthen measures to address security issues. Provisions in the new NSI Act allow the Government to block activities in sensitive areas, while the ATAS scheme ensures foreign students and researchers applying to undertake research in sensitive technology areas are cleared by security agencies first."