STORY
A House of Commons committee has called for a clearer Government strategy on science diplomacy, research security and technological sovereignty. The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee warned that international research partnerships increasingly operate within a more hostile and competitive security environment.
Its report said the UK should remain open to global scientific collaboration while improving the way risks involving intellectual property, strategic technologies and foreign interference are assessed. It also called for clearer responsibilities across Government departments and agencies.
The committee argued that poorly designed restrictions could damage British research as seriously as insufficient safeguards. Ministers will be expected to respond to recommendations on international partnerships, trusted research, funding and the role of science in foreign policy.