King’s is a world leader in areas ranging from cyber security and counterterrorism to cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. King’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and King's Quantum are also globally recognised for their contributions to emerging and strategically significant technologies. Since 2014, King’s has led the UK’s Nuclear Security Culture Programme, funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

This depth of expertise means that King’s engagement is a core area of academic strength, grounded in rigorous scholarship, responsible international collaboration, and a long tradition of public service. Our expertise encompasses strategy, statecraft, diplomacy, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, cybersecurity, nuclear security, and the ethical, legal and societal dimensions of defence and national security. Our focus is on understanding preventing and resolving conflict and supporting stable and secure societies. In an increasingly uncertain and polarised global environment, universities have an important role to play in developing knowledge, educating future leaders, and contributing informed analysis to questions of national and international security. With a unique history and future-facing innovation, King’s continues to support the safety, stability and prosperity of the UK and the wider world.

Managing risk responsibly

Our work in this area is conducted in accordance with UK and international law through robust, value-driven governance, due diligence and oversight. As the boundaries between defence studies and emerging technologies such as cyber security, robotics, artificial intelligence and bio synthetics continue to evolve, we recognise the need to manage inherent tensions such as dual-use risks, the balance between academic openness and confidentiality, and ethical questions arising from research that may contribute to the conduct of armed conflict.

We address these issues through careful partnership choices, clear guidance for academics and robust oversight. Working collaboratively across disciplines and sectors, with government, industry and international partners, we adhere to current regulation, protection against hostile foreign actors, and the responsible conduct of sensitive research.

What this means in practice

1. Governance

Full adherence to ethics and security principles through the following:

• Code of Good Conduct in Research
• Policy on the Ethical Approval of Research
• The Trusted Research Agenda
• JSP 732 Research Integrity for defence research

Legislative, compliance and risk requirements are embedded into all relevant policies and procedures, including:

• Export control
• National Security and Investment notification
• National Security Act (Part 4 Foreign Influence Registration Scheme)
• Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) Defence Research Security Guidance
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme
• Sanctions

2. Processes

All staff are expected to adopt a vigilant approach when collaborating with international researchers, universities, businesses, funders, and other bodies, including government actors.

King’s professional services support researchers through the International Regulations Process. 

Our expectations of staff

While promoting individual autonomy and responsible academic practice, King’s requires all staff to:

• consider security-related risks when discussing potential collaborations
• disclose all international collaborations, partnerships and sources of funding, whether funded or unfunded
• declare any real or perceived conflicts of interest
• engage fully with required organisational due diligence processes
• maintain a vigilant and responsible approach to collaboration
• support colleagues, including students and affiliates, in upholding King’s principles
• undertake relevant training in areas such as data protection, cyber security, and discipline-specific requirements (including export controls where appropriate)
• raise with the University any security concerns about organisations or individuals with whom they are undertaking research and/or innovation.

Overall, our approach is one of balance, enabling the benefits of safe, open collaboration while ensuring these activities are set within a diligent, proportionate and robust risk-assessment framework.