The Trusted Research and Secure Innovation Summit takes place on 14 May at the University of Strathclyde's Technology & Innovation Centre. The event brings together government, universities and the technology sector to address the growing complexity of securing research in a more competitive global environment. Delegates will gain a clear view of current risks, national expectations and the role that technology can play in supporting safe and confident collaboration.
Why now?
Trusted Research has moved up the national agenda at a time when universities are under financial strain, global competition is intensifying, and hostile activity against UK research is becoming more sophisticated. Sensitive fields such as AI, semiconductors, quantum and telecoms are attracting greater interest from state and commercial actors. At the same time, institutions are being asked to manage risk proportionately within a crowded policy environment. This summit provides a timely forum for government, the sector and technology providers to align understanding and consider practical steps that support secure and confident research collaboration.
Who should attend and why?
This summit offers a structured look at the issues facing UK research. It will consider the financial pressure on universities, the rise in hostile activity, and the increasing attention on sensitive research areas. The event will help delegates understand what Trusted Research means in practice and how culture, technology and proportionate controls can support both security and openness.
The summit is for university leaders, research managers, cyber and digital specialists, principal investigators, funders, government bodies and technology suppliers whose products or services support research infrastructure and security.
What to expect on the day
The morning plenary sets out the national landscape, including current threats and the coordinated work of NCSC, NPSA, DSIT and UKRI. In the afternoon delegates can choose between two tracks. One focuses on culture, practice and integration. The other is a secure technology showcase covering AI, semiconductors, digital identity and telecoms. A private area will also be available for direct engagement with policy leads.
Event details:
Location: Glasgow
Timing: All day conference
Tickets:
- techUK member rate (standard): Free
- Non-member rate: Tickets for non-members will be made available soon.
- Public sector and Universities: This event is free to attend for public sector and university delegates, if you have any issues registering please contact [email protected].
Please note: a refund will be given on cancellations received in writing 6 weeks prior to the event. Regrettably no refunds can be given after this date. Full terms and conditions can be viewed here.
Be part of the groundwork:
A series of Trusted Research Culture Workshops will take place at techUK in the months preceding the summit. These sessions will bring together practitioners to build shared language, clarify roles, and address the grey areas where most operational friction sits. These three workshops will also explore the pressures created by fragmented guidance, limited capacity, and uneven market provision, and will consider options for clearer signals and proportionate assurance. The outputs will inform the Culture Track at the summit. More details on the workshops, below:
Trusted Research workshop 1: language and roles sprint – building clarity for trusted research
London and online Workshop
Trusted Research workshop 2: grey areas and proportionate practice – building the trusted research playbook
London and online Workshop
Trusted Research workshop 3: infrastructure and signals – defining the conditions for a trustworthy research ecosystem
London and online WorkshopFor more information, please contact:
Austin Earl
Austin Earl
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
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/
Education and EdTech Programme activities
techUK’s Education and EdTech programme seeks to address this challenges by bridging the gap between education, the tech industry, and policymakers. We ensure that education institutions can effectively adopt technology that enhances learning, streamlines operations, and supports skills development. Visit the programme page here
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Trusted Research workshop 1: language and roles sprint – building clarity for trusted research
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Meet the team
Austin Earl
Austin Earl
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.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2000
Fran Richiusa
Fran Richiusa
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/