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Responsible research collaborations

Collaborating on Research

Cardiff University recognises the importance of research collaborations including funding for research. Our researchers work together across disciplines, and in partnership with industry, charities and government, to generate real-world impact with a lasting legacy for future generations. The University’s Open Research, Integrity and Ethics Committee provides governance for the appropriate conduct of research and collaboration. This includes adoption of external best practice through governance frameworks including the Concordat to Support Research Integrity, the National Protective Security Authority’s Trusted Research Framework, and compliance with regulations for export control and the National Security and Investment Act. Alongside associated guidance, we are supported by a transparent Code of Practice for the Investigation of Academic Research Misconduct.

Cardiff University must appropriately uphold legal obligations for academic staff aligned to necessary freedoms in the pursuit of research. We acknowledge that there may be different individual perspectives on research and external collaborations. It is also the role of Cardiff University to ensure that all views are expressed with courtesy, dignity and respect aligned to the following principles.

Research collaboration principles

  1. Academic freedom and legal obligation. As a UK university, we have a duty to maintain academic freedom and ensure freedom of speech. Provided that our researchers operate within UK law, research collaborations can be considered with universities from around the world, or with any public, private, voluntary or commercial organisation.
  2. A research culture with integrity. We are committed to creating a positive research culture underpinned by our Research Integrity and Governance Code of Practice and supported by our School Research Ethics Committees. We expect all researchers to consider the ethical conduct of their work relative to the topic including research collaborations. We recognise and embrace diversity without discrimination in our research conduct.
  3. Transparency. We will be transparent in our research partnerships within the constraints of confidentiality and funding agreements. We will work with our community to support researchers to engage with a new partner, or an existing partner in a new way.
  4. Risk management. Risks relating to implications of undertaking research are identified and assessed for all potential collaborations so that any unintended consequences are avoided or minimised. We will not knowingly undertake research or enter collaborations that do not comply with ethical scrutiny aligned to our Research Integrity and Governance Code of Practice including adherence with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Considerations for specific sectors

Defence and Security

Research undertaken at Cardiff University may support defence and national security activity through advancing sovereign capabilities and we recognise the academic freedom of our academic staff to undertake such research. Our community has expertise that can help the Welsh and UK Governments to protect citizens against national security threats and hostile actors while defending national interests. This activity has public value that is consistent with our charitable purpose while also supporting significant economic activity and employment for Wales and the UK.

We also recognise the potential dual-use of research. Our researchers are supported in undertaking due diligence on activities concerning ethical and dual use-applications. This is aligned to the Concordat to Support Research Integrity, the National Protective Security Authority’s Trusted Research Framework, and compliance with regulations for export control and the National Security and Investment Act. We will not knowingly collaborate with partners on activity that is not within the scope of the UK’s national defence policy.