Almost 25 years ago, when I was a young clinician-researcher, the EU introduced its Clinical Trials Directive. Not long after, the UK followed with new legislation to regulate trials of medicines for human use.  

At the time, the research community had real concerns. Would these new rules slow down our work? Would they add bureaucracy? Would they make it harder to innovate?

And yet, as many of us came to realise, these changes were not only necessary but ultimately positive. They helped protect the rights and wellbeing of our research participants. They brought clarity, consistency, and greater public trust. And over time, they simply became part of what it means to be a responsible and effective researcher.

Today, we find ourselves facing a similar shift, this time around research security. 

A rapidly changing world 

The world around us is changing fast, technologically, politically, and geopolitically. Universities like ours are at the forefront of discovery, often working internationally and across disciplines to tackle global challenges. But this also means we’re more exposed to risks: from cyber threats and IP theft to potential misuse of research in ways we never intended.   

Put simply, protecting your research and our shared reputation has never been more important. 

This isn’t about red tape or suspicion. It’s about trust, academic freedom, and ensuring that Manchester remains a place where world-class research can thrive safely and ethically.   

So, what are we doing?

At Manchester, we’re absolutely committed to supporting our research community to navigate these challenges.  

That’s why we’ve developed the Research Security Hub – a dedicated space with practical guidance, resources, and direct access to expert teams. Whether you’re working on sensitive data, international collaborations, or cutting-edge technology, the Hub is here to help you feel confident, informed, and supported. 

This is about empowering you, not policing you. It’s about ensuring that you can continue to work openly, ambitiously and internationally — while also meeting the requirements we all now face. 

How can you help?

We want to get this right and that means hearing from you. 

So, I have two quick questions:

1. What’s been your experience so far? Have you faced any research security challenges in your own work and do you have any advice you’d share with colleagues?
2. How are we doing? What do you think of the support we provide especially through the Research Security Hub and how could we make it better? 

Working together, globally

We’re part of a global research community. As our President, Duncan Ivison, put it so well: “Universities do their best work when ideas meet across cultures, disciplines and lived experiences.” 

To keep doing that and to keep making a positive difference through research and innovation we must also take care of our institutions, our partnerships, and each other.   

This is where the concept of ‘soft diplomacy’ comes in. Universities have a unique and powerful role to play in building trust and tackling shared global problems. But we can only do that if we protect our own house first. 

Thank you for your time, your work, and your continued dedication to responsible research. I really do welcome your thoughts. 

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