Policies and principles

The University of York recognises that research and innovation plays a vital role in addressing the urgent geopolitical challenges facing the UK and its international partners.

The UK's national funding agency for research and innovation (UKRI) sets out to address this increasingly complex and uncertain world, as reflected in the National Security Strategy: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World.

Defence and security research capabilities

Our research spans fundamental science and assured operational systems:

Assured autonomy, safe AI and human-centred systems
Secure communications, networks and cyber security
Detection and sensing technologies
Fundamental physical sciences and materials science
Partnership work and interdisciplinary approaches which explore the context and nature of global security

Find out how we are supporting the UK and its international partners

Our ethics-informed framework

All our research and collaborations are subject to a robust set of standards, including legislative frameworks, accepted UK integrity and ethical standards, funder regulation and institutional policies.

The University carefully assesses each defence and security-related project, recognising the unique complexities, ethical considerations and contextual factors.

We maintain a flexible case-by-case approach, informed by:

The perspectives of our research community, with a commitment to listening, understanding, and collectively navigating tensions as they arise
Engagement with the wider higher education sector, including our regional university partners and national bodies
The national and international geopolitical context at the time of decision

This approach is supported by a comprehensive set of reviews and requirements:

The panels we bring together reflect the specific nature of each project, drawing on the most relevant expertise. Where appropriate, we seek external input, including representatives from bodies such as the Department of Science Innovation & Technology.

Our decision-making operates within a broader legal framework. In regards to dual-use, where research and innovation has both civil and military applications, research and collaborations are subject to rigorous Trusted Research assessments to ensure compliance with the highest levels of national security oversight and legislation.

Academic freedom

As with any complex decision-making process, we acknowledge that outcomes will be highly context-dependent and may not have universal agreement.

Consistent with UKRI's position, we affirm that each member of our community has both the right to undertake defence-related activities/research and the right to challenge or decline to participate. Neither choice will be penalised or prevented by this institutional position.

We are committed to protecting this freedom as the foundation of all our research activity.

We provide researchers with the guidance and oversight they need to ensure integrity and confidentiality in the delivery of projects.