About the series
Trusted Research underpins the integrity, reputation and global standing of UK research. While policies and frameworks exist, they are not yet fully embedded as everyday practice. This series of three workshops will bring together voices from across the sector to look at cultural barriers and opportunities, ahead of the Trusted & Secure Research Conference in 2026.

The workshops are open to those directly involved in the Trusted Research space, as well as techUK members who are interested in supporting this initiative. For members, this is an opportunity to demonstrate the increasing importance of technology practice, solutions and services in helping research institutions maintain a mature security posture.

Structure
Each workshop runs for two hours as a guided conversation. Using collaborative tools, participants will share reflections, respond to prompts, and contribute to group mapping and prioritisation exercises.

This session
Workshop 1 will surface the cultural barriers that prevent Trusted Research from becoming part of institutional and partnership practice. Together we will map the blockers and highlight the gap between what is set out in policy and what is lived day to day.

Questions we will reflect on:

  • What norms, incentives, or pressures make it hard for Trusted Research to take root?

  • How do researchers actually experience governance, training or security interventions?

  • Where are the disconnections between what is written down and what is practised?

Next in the series
Workshop 2, Aligning Behaviour and Accountability – Cultural Governance for Trusted Research, will look at how governance structures support or undermine cultural norms. Read about Workshop 2 
 


Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK

Francesca Richiusa

Francesca Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK


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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Meet the team

Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK

Francesca Richiusa

Francesca Richiusa

Programme Team Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK