{"id":320,"date":"2025-12-04T10:26:50","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T10:26:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/?p=320"},"modified":"2025-12-04T10:27:32","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T10:27:32","slug":"navigating-state-threats-and-global-partnerships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bath.ac.uk\/pvc-research\/2025\/12\/04\/navigating-state-threats-and-global-partnerships\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating State Threats and Global Partnerships"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Why Trusted Research Matters Now<\/strong><\/p>\n

Research thrives on openness and collaboration\u2014values that remain at the heart of academic discovery. Yet, as the global research landscape evolves, these principles must be balanced with vigilance. New security frameworks and regulations are emerging across the UK, Europe, North America, and beyond. Far from restricting innovation, these measures are designed to protect it.<\/p>\n

At the University of Bath, we are committed to helping our researchers navigate this complex environment. Trusted Research principles and export control compliance are not obstacles; they are essential tools for building secure, sustainable partnerships. By embedding these practices into our work, we safeguard the integrity of our research and ensure that international collaboration continues to flourish.<\/p>\n

In this blog, Dale Topley explores why Trusted Research matters more than ever\u2014examining rising state threats, global security measures, and practical steps such as export control compliance that enable safe and successful collaboration.<\/p>\n

Kind regards,<\/p>\n

Sarah<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The MI5 Director General Ken McCallum\u2019s\u00a0annual threat update on 16 October 2025<\/a>\u00a0included a statement which should make the research community sit up and pay attention:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the last year we\u2019ve seen a 35% increase in the number of individuals we\u2019re investigating for involvement in state threat activity. That means espionage, including against our Parliament, our\u00a0universities, our critical infrastructure.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The fact that\u00a0universities are mentioned front and center\u00a0is significant. It reinforces why an awareness of\u00a0Trusted Research<\/a>\u00a0principles is so important.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Global Shifts in Research Security
\n<\/strong>Research security is no longer a niche concern; it is shaping global research policy. For UK researchers, these developments mean proactive compliance is essential to sustain international partnerships.<\/p>\n

Outside of the UK, \u2018Trusted Research\u2019 is referred to as \u2018Research Security\u2019. Aligning with the impression given by the MI5 Director General\u2019s update, there have been several recent developments that highlight the tightening landscape for research and innovation:<\/p>\n