Collaborative Working

Researchers should be aware of the standards and procedures for the conduct of research followed by any organisations involved in collaborative research that they are undertaking and any contractual requirements involving partner organisations.

Researchers should try to anticipate any issues that might arise as a result of working collaboratively and agree jointly in advance how they might be addressed, communicating any decisions to all members of the research team.

In particular, researchers are advised to contact the R&IS Departmental Officer for their department as early as possible so that an appropriate agreement can be put in place which clearly outlines the specific roles of the researchers involved in the project and on issues relating to intellectual property, Trusted Research, open access, publication, and the attribution of authorship and contributorship, recognising that, subject to legal and ethical requirements, roles and contributions may change during the time span of the research.

Research Conducted Outside The UK

When conducting, or collaborating in, research in other countries, researchers based in the UK should comply with the legal and ethical requirements existing in the UK and in the countries where the research is conducted, with particular regard for Trusted Research requirements, following University processes and policies for international research.

Researchers should bear in mind the differences between civil, legal and often the financial positions of national and foreign researchers and participants and must be aware that there may be a number of national laws which can affect the conduct of their research in other countries. Consideration should be given to the collection and transfer of personal data with respect to local data laws.

In particular, where developing societies are involved, specific consideration must be given to to fostering equitable research partnerships and to the following:

• that the characteristics and culture of the country should be observed but should not diminish the researcher's respect for the rights and interests of participants involved;
• the reason for undertaking the study should usually be its relevance to the needs of the community in which it is carried out;
• ethics review must, where possible take place in the UK and in the host country;

• that the contributions of everyone involved in the research are acknowledged appropriately.

Researchers should consult the University's Health and Safety guidelines and complete a pre-travel risk assessment and consider insurance implications when travelling or working overseas.

Due Diligence

All prospective funders, collaborators, or partners should undergo a due diligence check, to identify and seek to minimise any risks to the University’s operations or reputation. The necessary checks will be conducted by R&IS for any funded research projects; however, researchers should also consider these risks when engaged in informal collaborations or early discussions with potential funders and partners. This includes ensuring that all relevant areas of regulation have been considered, and that any aspects of a potential funder, collaborator, or partner’s operations or business which may cast the University in a negative light or contravene our moral values and code of conduct have been identified.

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