Scenario:
A international professor of aerospace engineering has been appointed to the University. The professor holds an honorary position at a University overseas which is in a key country. The professor has not informed the University of the honorary position. The professor continues to input to research activities and joint supervision of PhD students at the overseas University, whilst fulfilling their role in the UK University. Some of the research and supervision means there is an export of Technology on the dual-use list via electronic methods - email, video calls etc.
Action:
Consideration should be given of the dual-affiliations academic staff and students have and how this could impact their work at the University. The affiliations may not necessarily be with another educational insitution but could be with companies, overseas governments or organisations. Sometimes overseas staff and students are recruited to circumvent export control regulations and transfer Technology without authorisation.
Policies should be in place to identify dual-affiliations and conflicts of interest and to support staff to ensure their University work and overseas affiliations can work together. Institutions should promote a culture of vigilance, risk minimisation and support to identify vulnerabilities, particularly for staff working in high-risk research areas.
The University policy on Disclosure of Interest requires all staff to disclose other appointments, consultancies or honorary positions held either in the UK or overseas where there is a perceived or actual conflict. Universities must ensure independent academic research is safeguarded, staff are clear on their responsiblities to the University and aware of UK legislation which affects their role at the University.
Back to: Legal & Governance