12 May 2025

Strengthening UK Research Security

techUK's Education and EdTech programme is calling for evidence from members and HEIs to support initiatives in Trusted Research.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and research institutes in the UK are at the forefront of cutting-edge discoveries that drive innovation, economic growth, and global collaboration. However, the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, risks to intellectual property (IP), and concerns over secure international research partnerships mean that the sector must strengthen its approach to research security.

Discussions with cybersecurity and research leaders highlight that while many institutions have robust individual policies, there remains a need for a more coordinated and strategic approach to securing research assets. To support this, techUK is exploring how we can help the sector build a stronger research security ecosystem.

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Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK

Austin leads techUK’s Education and EdTech programme, shaping strategies that support the digital transformation of schools, colleges, and universities. His work focuses on strengthening the UK’s education technology ecosystem, enhancing core technology foundations, and advancing the adoption of emerging technologies to improve educational outcomes.

Austin also chairs the EdTech Advisory Panel for AI in Education, contributing to national discussions on the future of EdTech, AI, and the UK's Education system.

Francesca Richiusa

Francesca Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK

Fran serves as the Programme Team Assistant within techUK’s Public Sector Market Programmes, where she is responsible for delivering comprehensive team support, managing administrative functions, and fostering strong relationships with members.

Prior to joining techUK in May 2025, Fran built a meaningful career in the charitable and local government sectors. She worked extensively with both victims and perpetrators of crime, and notably led the coordination of Domestic Homicide Reviews across Surrey—an initiative aimed at identifying lessons and preventing future incidents of domestic abuse.

Outside of work, Fran is an avid traveller and a proud cat mum who enjoys unwinding with her feline companions.

 

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesca-richiusa/

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