Trusted Research: A DDD Network Webinar
On June 6th 2025, UKCGE held a webinar discussion with the Doctoral Deans & Directors’ (DDD) Network, led by the co-Chairs, Nigel Eady (Director of Research Talent at King’s College London) and Jane Wellens (Head of the Graduate School and Associate Professor of Graduate Education at University of Staffordshire). The session addressed issues surrounding the Trusted Research campaign, including examining export control.
The event started with an introduction and welcome from Nigel Eady regarding the DDD Network, introducing the speakers: Ellie Gilvin (Head of International — Development at Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), UKRI), Katie Daniel (Deputy Director, Regional Partnerships at Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), UKRI) and Alan Mackay (Deputy Vice Principal International and Director at University of Edinburgh). The topic of addressing Trusted Research and export control arose from the DDD residential which took place from February 27th-28th 2025 in York.
The event started with a presentation from Ellie Gilvin and Katie Daniels on EPSRC’s navigation of Trusted Research and Innovation (TR&I). The Trusted Research initiative is research that is as open as possible and as secure as necessary. Ellie and Katie provided an overview of TR&I at EPSRC — thinking through its importance — and considerations of TR&I specifically for postgraduate training. TR&I focusses on protecting the UK’s “intellectual property, sensitive research, people and infrastructure from potential theft, manipulation and exploitation,” including as a result of interference by hostile actors. They presented on the importance of TR&I in institutions, discussing the perspectives and roles of supervisors, doctoral deans and directors, and candidates. It is an ongoing process of monitoring and forward-planning, thinking through legal agreements and procedures with institutions overseas and monitoring any potential security issues in advance.
This was followed by a presentation from Alan Mackay, who discussed the process of navigating TR&I at the University of Edinburgh. Alan reiterated the importance of TR&I, specifically stating that the key areas of focus are in STEM, applied research, emerging technologies, and commercially sensitive research, with key areas of risk in sensitive research, due diligence, and overseas travel. Legislation and regulation to be attentive to is the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), National Security and Investment Act, Export Control Regulations, and Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. Alan stated that DDDs can refer to the Trusted Research assessment framework for an existing action plan to adopt. Alan encouraged senior support in navigating research strategy pillars for TR&I. Alan highlighted the opportunities of NPSA-NCSC Trusted Research online training.
The webinar concluded with a lively discussion and Q&A with the speakers, touching on:
- Co-creation of procedures and processes with Doctoral Deans and Directors, admissions teams, supervisors, faculties, etc. surrounding TR&I.
- How to maintain enthusiasm around security and compliance in TR&I.
- Cross-sector collaboration.