Overview

The UK’s future depends on research that is both open and secure. The Trusted Research and Secure Innovation Summit brings together academia, government and industry to protect innovation, safeguard intellectual property and strengthen collaboration in a more challenging global climate.

14 May 2026

University of Strathclyde, Technology & Innovation Centre, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD

9am – 4pm

Conference

Trusted Research and Secure Innovation Summit, early access registration

techUK is hosting the Trusted Research and Secure Innovation Summit, bringing together policymakers, universities and industry to address the practical challenges of research security and secure collaboration.

The summit will focus on real world practice, emerging risks and how the UK can support open, trusted and secure innovation across its research system.

By completing this form, you are registering for early access to the event. You will receive priority information, early confirmation of details and first access to formal registration when it opens.

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

 

Jisc-Logo.png

 

We are working in partnership with Jisc to deliver the Trusted Research and Secure Innovation Summit.

Jisc are a not-for-profit membership organisation delivering vital digital infrastructure and shared services that inform, protect and promote UK education and research. For over 30 years, Jisc has pioneered digital solutions. Our world-class Janet Network, the UK’s national research and education infrastructure, provides secure, high-speed connectivity, along with cyber security and identity services, to 18 million users in universities, colleges, schools and research bodies throughout the UK.

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:

For more information, please contact:

Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK

 


techUK Code of Practice

We kindly ask all our members and visitors to familiarise themselves with our Code of Practice before attending techUK events and meetings. Click below for more details.

Read more

 


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

 

Upcoming events

Latest news and insights

Learn more and get involved

Education updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities from our Education programme.

 

 

 

Here are the five reasons to join the Education and EdTech Programme

Download

Join techUK groups

techUK members can get involved in our work by joining our groups, and stay up to date with the latest meetings and opportunities in the programme.

Learn more

Become a techUK member

Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.

Learn more

Meet the team

Austin Earl

Austin Earl

Programme Manager, Education and EdTech, techUK